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 Replies: 64 / Views: 3,462 |
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Valued Member
United States
58 Posts |
 I'm going to my first major league baseball game in more than a decade on Labor Day. I know, from being a voracious reader, that stadium concession stands do not accept physical money. Then, a couple of days ago, I learned that virtually NO stadium or arena box office accepts it, either. And many demand you use their app, whether you want to download it or not. I'm 67 and I'm only a "get off my lawn" guy in certain circumstances. Cash is legal tender...good for all debts. I believe federal law still guarantees that legal tender must be accepted in exchange for goods and services. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm moderately tech-savvy and have no problem with paying electronically... up to a point. It's the principle. But what about those who aren't tech-savvy... such as older seniors and the uneducated? Do they deserve to be turned away from watching their favorite ballclub live? So there you have it, friends. Anyone with me on this? BTW... I'm letting my buddy use his app to pay and I'll reimburse him. In cash. 
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Forum Dad
 United States
23755 Posts |
Sorry, but you are mistaken. They do not have to take cash. I was at PNC Park this year and it is completely cashless too.
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Moderator
United States
33166 Posts |
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17530 Posts |
Timely link, Spence. Thanks.
I was at Stanford Stadium last year for a late season football game.. Yes, cashless.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4704 Posts |
Right, legal for all debts. A concession stand is a trade, not a debt.
While I can sympathize with the sentiment, in practice, there are many reasons to embrace cashless transactions. COVID gave us a big one. Another reason is that it reduces accounting mistakes, eliminates employee theft from the register, and eliminates the main incentive for criminals to rob the business. Many businesses also find it very convenient to have real time computerized sales data.
fwiw, I don't think anyone is getting left behind. That suggestion directly requires that people cannot use a credit card or smartphone. For personal reasons, I carry a dumb phone, but if you can use cash, you can use a card.
I find it interesting that folks occasionally complain about cashless, but you don't hear many complaints about the restaurants that have gone cash-only.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
Should this thread be moved? John1  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Times are a-changin'. We went to a restaurant the other day that didn't have any menus - you had to use your phone to scan a QR code on the corner of the table. We left.
Edited by Coinfrog
08/28/2024 09:49 am
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Moderator
United States
164495 Posts |
Quote:
Cash is legal tender...good for all debts. Therein lies the problem. It is not a debt until you owe the money. Buying something in a store or from some other vendor, you can be refused before you purchase, it is not a debt yet. Even a creditor can refuse cash payment! It does not erase your debt, but you have some standing in court as you made a good faith effort to settle that debt.
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Valued Member
United States
213 Posts |
I went to pay some property taxes in Pennsylvania. They would not take cash or a check. They said theft was too great. They would only accept a cashier's check.
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Moderator
United States
164495 Posts |
Quote:
I went to pay some property taxes in Pennsylvania. They would not take cash or a check. They said theft was too great. They would only accept a cashier's check. In this case, I believe would have standing to be absolved of any late fees. You made an attempt to settle the debt with legal tender. Even if the statement said "No cash or Check" you should be covered, because it is a debt. However, I am not a lawyer and you would still need a lawyer to fight it. That is not cheap. Best to just go pay it how they want it. 
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4704 Posts |
There are legal defense funds that will take up public interest cases pro bono. That situation really seems like an opportunity for a class action lawsuit, as it's a government entity refusing legal tender for taxes.
I am also not a lawyer. YMMV.
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Forum Dad
United States
23755 Posts |
Quote:
There are legal defense funds that will take up public interest cases pro bono. That situation really seems like an opportunity for a class action lawsuit, as it's a government entity refusing legal tender for taxes. There's precedent. People think they're clever and try to pay for traffic tickets in pennies, they lose at the cashier and in court.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17530 Posts |
Heck, let's go back to a simpler time, when tribes and clans lived in small settlements and bartered with salt, chickens, various tubers, trinkets, etc.
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Moderator
United States
164495 Posts |
Quote:
Heck, let's go back to a simpler time, when tribes and clans lived in small settlements and bartered with salt, chickens, various tubers, trinkets, etc. No. 
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2286 Posts |
Quote:
Times are a-changin'. We went to a restaurant the other day that didn't have any menus - you had to use your phone to scan a QR code on the corner of the table. We left. I would have done the same thing! Quote:
Therein lies the problem. It is not a debt until you owe the money. Buying something in a store or from some other vendor, you can be refused before you purchase, it is not a debt yet.
Which is why some stores turn away patrons with older banknotes with no legal repercussion.
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Valued Member
 United States
58 Posts |
Three things:
1) Thank you, Spence, for the official Fed explanation.
2) ijn1944: I thought it a legit topic. There really was no need for a snarky comment.
3) I said I use electronic payments. And of course I use plastic. The purpose of my post was to see if anyone feels as I do that regs should be changed so accepting cash remains an option. Businesses have spycams all over, so they know if someone's stealing. I'm sure most of the younger generation just tap their phones for everything. That's terrific. Others use crypto. I'll reserve opinion on that. My point remains... we should still have a cash option.
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Replies: 64 / Views: 3,462 |
Posted 08/28/2024 07:57 am
