Bill In Tennessee House Would Force Businesses To Accept Cash

A bill currently being debated at the state capitol is causing quite the stir among small business owners. The bill proposed by republican lawmaker Bud Hulsey of Kingsport would require all retail shops to accept cash as a form of payment if the buyer requests. There are some businesses, especially in urban areas that have begun moving away from cash. One such business owner in West Nashville says the reason he no longer accepts cash is because he’s been robbed three times in the short time he has been open…including twice in five days. He says the robbers are not out for merchandise, they are out for cash. So he has stopped taking it. Other businesses are cautioning lawmakers before they move ahead…saying payment flexibility helps them maintain their businesses. Violation of the proposed bill would be a class ‘B’ misdemeanor offense….that bill will be taken up in the Banking and Consumer Affairs subcommittee.