Georgetown Implements Ban on Cashless Businesses to Promote Equity and Accessibility
Georgetown University students will no longer face the disappointment of finding their favorite businesses refusing to accept cash. Starting on October 1st, a ban on cashless businesses went into effect in Washington D.C., subjecting non-compliant establishments to government penalties. The Cashless Retailers Prohibition Amendment Act, initially proposed in 2019 and passed in late 2020, is finally being enforced after four years.
The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure that businesses do not discriminate against customers who do not have access to credit cards or bank accounts. In Washington D.C., approximately 4.5% of residents are unbanked and rely on cash for essential purchases.
The full impact of the law remains uncertain. However, there have already been instances where businesses, previously card-only, have reverted to accepting cash due to public backlash. One notable example is Sweetgreen, which discontinued cash payments in its 12 D.C. locations along with other outlets nationwide. However, after concerns were raised regarding equity and accessibility, the company reversed the policy. Another D.C. chain, Shop Made in DC, was cashless since its opening but now expresses support for the legislation and its objectives.
Miranda Stein, Senior Manager of the Shop Made in DC Georgetown location, acknowledged the positive implications of banning cashless businesses. She stated that the legislation helps them serve the community better by making their stores and products more inclusive and accessible. Shop Made in DC started accepting cash payments on October 1st.
However, some business owners hold reservations about the enforcement of this law. They cite concerns about retail theft and rising labor costs as reasons behind their decision to adopt cashless operations. Che Russell-Tabisola, the director of Government Affairs at the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, mentioned that business owners worry about accepting cash amidst the increase in crime rates in the District. Between 2022 and 2023, robberies in D.C. surged by 70%.
Russell-Tabisola is engaging in conversations with D.C. council members and other stakeholders to urge a delay in the enforcement of the law until public safety concerns are adequately addressed. He acknowledges the existence of two core problems: the underbanked communities in Washington D.C. and the alarming rise in armed robberies and property crime. Russell-Tabisola emphasizes that, for now, business owners prioritize the safety of their establishments and employees.
While opinions on the legislation vary among patrons and local businesses, the D.C. Council Chairman’s Office hopes that business establishments will comply with the new ban. Mayor Muriel Bowser clarified that the expectation is not to penalize businesses.
Georgetown University students who frequent local businesses expressed their support for the ban. Ayushi Das, a student, believes that accepting cash as a form of payment is a positive step toward equity. She highlights that credit cards are less accessible for low-income communities, making cash a more viable and fair payment method.
In conclusion, Georgetown’s ban on cashless businesses aims to promote equity and accessibility for all customers. While some concerns have been raised regarding safety and rising crime rates, the legislation intends to bridge the gap for underbanked communities and ensure equal access to goods and services.
