Aussie cafe backflips on ‘annoying’ payment rule after customer outcry

“Staff were getting abused.”

It's a cashless society... or is it?

A popular chain of trendy bakeries has reversed its decision to go cashless following significant customer backlash. 

Paul Aron, the owner of Perth’s Mary Street Bakery, announced this week that all five locations will now accept cash again, ending a pandemic-era policy. 

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“Staff were getting abused”

The change came after repeated customer complaints and staff being subjected to abuse.

Aron explained that the original 'no cash' policy was implemented to ensure staff safety and save time otherwise spent counting money. 

"The reason we've gone back is because staff were getting abused," Aron told WAToday.

While acknowledging that accepting cash is an "expense and a pain," he emphasised the importance of accommodating all customers. 

"I also realised over time that it is difficult for some people not to use cash, and I don't want to alienate any of our customers," he said.

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Australians are the world’s leading users of cashless payments

This decision coincided with a legislative move in Canberra where independent MPs introduced the Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia Bill.

The proposed law aims to prevent Australia from becoming a cashless society by mandating that cash be accepted for transactions up to $10,000. 

Individuals and businesses refusing cash payments under this law could face fines of up to $5,000 and $25,000, respectively.

A 2023 customer trends report by the Australian Banking Association revealed that Australians are the world's leading users of cashless payments, with nearly 99 per cent conducting their bank transactions online. 

Cash transactions now constitute just 13 per cent of all customer payments in the country, and a report by the RBA in 2023 found that 72 per cent of Australians identify as low-cash users.

Originally published as Aussie cafe backflips on ‘annoying’ payment rule after customer outcry