OUR ATTENTION has been drawn to an online petition which may be of interest to our readers.
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We believe that consumers must be able to choose what payment method they want to use.
The petition – Stop Discriminating Against Cash Users At Self-Checkouts– calls on UK supermarkets to stop limiting cash payments at self-checkouts, ensuring that all customers, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, have equal access to payment options.
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As National Liberals we believe that consumers must be able to choose what payment method they want to use.
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Therefore, we have absolutely no problem if someone wants to live their life paying by card. However, we feel that consumers must always be allowed the option to pay by cash.
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We realise that many people believe that paying by card is quick & easy. However, we remain wary of the intentions of large corporations who may use card payment schemes as an excuse to get rid of workers.
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We feel that these corporations have a moral & social responsibility to their customers, the local community & their workforce.
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The petition reads:
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We, the undersigned, are calling on UK supermarkets to stop limiting access to cash payments at self-checkouts.
More and more stores are installing banks of card-only self-checkouts, with just one or two accepting cash – or none at all.
This creates a two-tier system that unfairly penalises:
• Older people who rely on cash
• People with disabilities or mental health conditions who need to budget manually
• Those on Universal Credit or without full access to banking
• Anyone who prefers cash for budgeting, privacy, or safety
Cash remains legal tender. Yet supermarkets are quietly making it harder – and slower – to use.
We are not against digital payments – we’re against having no choice. No one should be forced into a cashless system.
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We demand:
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• That all self-checkout areas include a fair number of cash-accepting tills – not just one token machine
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• Clear signage showing where people can pay with cash
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• A commitment from supermarkets to protect freedom of payment for all customers
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• Money is money. Inclusion matters. Choice matters.
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• Sign this petition to stand up for equal access and payment rights – and to say no to cash discrimination.
• You can sign the online petition here: https://www.change.org/p/stop-discriminating-against-cash-users-at-self-checkouts
