NEW YORK (WBNG) — Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation that prohibits fully cashless businesses in New York State.
The bill explicitly rules out retail and food service businesses from going completely cashless, as many places around the country have done.
State Senator Joseph Griffo, who supported the bill, said the legislation is not about moving away from technologically advanced payment methods but about allowing New Yorkers the freedom to choose how they pay for things.
“The impetus behind this was that we need to have options, but were not doing that, were moving away from, and restricting choice. Saying you’re using this technology and this is all we’re gonna do for whatever reasons you want to give,” Griffo said. “All we’ve said in this bill is that we’re gonna recognize and accept the fact that there are different ways to take care of business.”
Businesses that violate the new law will face fines designed to fight back against establishments that don’t allow customers to choose their method of payment.
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