Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has ignited a fresh debate over national currency acceptance after issuing a directive to its English establishments to refuse Scottish banknotes.
The controversial move, confirmed by the company, means patrons attempting to pay with notes issued by Scottish banks will be turned away at hundreds of locations across England. The chain cited "operational difficulties" and the challenge of training staff to identify genuine Scottish notes as the primary reasons behind the policy.
A spokesperson for Wetherspoon explained the decision, stating: "We have been reluctant to do this, but we have had to make the decision... There are also operational difficulties in banking the notes and training staff to check the security features."
This policy shift highlights a long-standing and often contentious issue for Scots travelling south of the border. While Scottish notes are legal currency throughout the UK, they are not considered legal tender anywhere—a technical distinction that means businesses in England have the right to refuse them.
The change has been implemented quietly across its estate, with customers being informed at the point of sale. The decision affects notes issued by the Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Clydesdale Bank.
Wetherspoon's, which operates over 800 pubs UK-wide, emphasised that its Scottish venues will continue to accept both Scottish and English notes without issue.
