Danish government wants to allow petrol stations, stores to refuse cash

The Local27 February 2019

The government is considering giving stores and gas stations the option of becoming cash-free as a measure against crime.

Lawmakers are to consider easing current rules which make it compulsory for the vast majority of stores to accept cash payments, DR reports.

Suggested changes to the rules would allow businesses such as petrol stations, convenience stores and clothing shops to choose to only accept card and online forms of payment.

Such a measure would provide additional security for stores, Business Minister Rasmus Jarlov said.

“Fewer people use cash today, so we think there should be a balance between the difficulty and security risks placed on business owners and the benefits of accepting cash,” Jarlov told DR.

A 2017 law enabled certain types of store to apply for dispensation to be cash-free between 10pm and 6am.