Starbucks has issued a statement after reports all its coffee shops in the UK are set to become cashless. A sign has been shared on social media saying cash will no longer be accepted at a particular Starbucks cafe from October 1 this year.
It has triggered a huge response on social media – with many criticising the decision. Starbucks – which has stores across North Wales – was asked to comment on the situation.
They have said there is no blanket ban on cash at its UK sites and there are no plans to go cashless in the future. However they added that as they work with franchise partners individual stores could introduce their own policies.
The firm said that a majority of sites continue to offer cash as a payment option to customers. Legally in the UK businesses can refuse to accept cash if they offer alternative payment methods, in the same way that some businesses still only offer cash payments.
Concerns have been raised about the move to a cashless society.
Charlie Evans, a Welsh Conservative local councillor, said on social media that he was not able to use cash at a Starbucks cafe recently.
He played down the conspiracy theory opposition voiced by some about surveillance and control but voiced fears on the impact on some people of moving to a cashless society.
He said: “Decisions like this exclude the elderly; homeless; and other disadvantaged groups. We’re not ready for cashless and there is no need.”
A spokesperson for Starbucks said: “Starbucks has no plans to go cashless across our UK stores and we want to shut down any inaccuracies or further speculation on this matter. In the UK, we operate alongside various licensee business partners, which means this may vary from store to store and the majority of stores continue to offer cash payments to customers.”
