New EU regulations will soon require Irish businesses to accept cash payments, ensuring accessibility for all customers, especially the elderly who prefer cash.
Galway: Businesses in Ireland are facing new rules from the EU. These changes will affect how payments are accepted.
Since the pandemic, many people have switched to using cards or apps for payments. But older folks still prefer cash.
In recent years, many cafes and restaurants have stopped accepting cash. They only take card payments now.
However, a new EU rule will soon require businesses to accept cash again. This means they can’t refuse cash payments from customers.
Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, an MEP for Ireland South, is concerned about cashless policies. She believes they can be unfair to older people.
She supports changes to the new EU regulations to protect the right to use cash. This includes shopping at local stores and paying bills.
Ms. Ni Mhurchu highlighted that cash helps many older people manage their budgets. They often withdraw their pensions in cash to spend as needed.
She stated that while card payments are convenient, cash should not be eliminated. Consumers should have a choice in how they pay.
In June 2023, the European Commission proposed protecting cash as a payment method. These proposals are expected to move forward in the European Parliament.
Ms. Ni Mhurchu and her colleagues plan to propose amendments to ensure cash remains a valid payment option. They want to prevent businesses from refusing cash.
