ALBANY, NY (607NewsNow) — A new state law about money is now in effect.
New York Attorney General Letitia James says stores must allow customers to pay in cash. There are some exceptions, like businesses don’t have to accept bills in denominations above 20 dollars and they don’t have to accept cash for orders made over the phone or online.
“New Yorkers have a right to service no matter how they choose to pay,” James said. “Businesses cannot deny New Yorkers access to necessities like food and clothing by refusing to take cash, or charging shoppers more for paying in cash. I will not hesitate to enforce this law to protect consumers across our state.”
“Under the law, food stores and other retail establishments cannot require consumers to pay by credit card or use another cashless transaction method to complete their purchase. They also cannot charge consumers a higher price if they pay in cash. Stores that violate the new law will face maximum civil penalties of $1,000 for the first violation and $1,500 for each succeeding violation,” according to a news release.
The new law took effect on March 21.
