Popular restaurant chains including Prezzo, Itsu and Côte Brasserie have permanently stopped accepting cash, citing reduced costs, quicker service and improved hygiene. The move is part of a broader shift towards cashless payments on the UK high street, accelerated by the pandemic.
Many branches of Starbucks and Burger King are also card-only, while Pizza Hut says it will continue cashless for the foreseeable future. Although Covid restrictions have eased and research shows low transmission risk from cash, numerous shops and restaurants are refusing to take it. Starbucks noted that decisions vary by store, as individual licensees have discretion.
The trend has sparked criticism from customers and charities. Janette Foggo, 67, from Glasgow, said she was forced to leave Burger King after finding cash wasn't accepted, tweeting that it impacts people in support situations. Another customer reported her six-year-old daughter was upset at being unable to spend pocket money at a card-only store.
Prezzo said going cashless makes things simpler and quicker for staff and customers at its 151 Italian restaurants. Côte Brasserie cited reduced local banking facilities and team safety. Itsu said being cashless lets it serve customers safely and more quickly without distraction on cash handling policies.
However, some chains have returned to cash. Caffè Nero, Costa, McDonald's and JD Wetherspoon still offer payment choice. A Wetherspoon spokesperson said many customers still like cash, adding that turning down legal tender is controversial. Retailers including Aldi, Asda, Co-Op, John Lewis, Lloyds Pharmacy and Waitrose have pledged to continue accepting cash after a campaign by Which?.
Charities warn that a cashless society risks excluding vulnerable people. About 1.2 million UK adults have no bank account, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. Richard Kramer, chief executive of disability charity Sense, said many with learning disabilities or visual impairments rely on cash. The UK Cash Supply Alliance called for payment choice to prevent a monopoly by payment companies.
