Ministers unsupportive of legislation to protect cash-use

Saturday, 14 March 2026 07:00

Legislation that would mean Jersey businesses are legally required to accept cash has not received ministerial support.

Deputy Montfort Tadier had proposed regulations that would protect the use of cash in Jersey, to ensure we don't 'sleep walk' into an exclusionary, cashless economy.

READ: 'Jersey must be stopped from sleepwalking into cashless economy'

He has suggested that, by January 2028, the government should ensure all businesses with a physical presence offering goods and services in Jersey must accept cash payments.

He also wanted ministers to draw up a policy on long-term access to cash, which he says should examine the fees banks charge for cash deposits and withdrawals.

Islanders were supportive of the St Brelade Deputy's ideas on social media, saying 'No brainer keep cash, lose it at our peril.' with others agreeing, 'Cash will always be king when technology messes up, we still need it', and 'Cash is legal, and I think it is shocking that some places refuse it.'

But, the Council of Ministers says such a rule would put 'burdens on local businesses' and 'increase the costs of trading', which they say could be inflationary.

It says businesses make decisions on whether or not to accept cash based on a range of factors, and they should keep the choice.

Deputy Tadier's proposal is due to be debated in the States during the week of 24 March.