Protect store workers from safety, security and health risks: Targeted exemption from cash acceptance needed

Merchants are happy to accept consumers paying with cash, despite a consistent decrease in the use of cash for everyday transactions. As a group of European organisations representing the interests of millions of merchants across Europe in key sectors of the economy, we welcome the inter-institutional negotiations on the Regulation on the legal tender of euro banknotes and coins. We agree the fundamental right to pay with and have access to cash must be safeguarded, however any obligation on merchants must remain proportionate, operationally feasible and with reasonable exemptions.

The European Merchants Coalition calls upon the co-legislators to introduce a targeted exemption related to safety, security and health risks, so employers can fulfil their obligation to provide a safe, secure and healthy working environment, e.g. for night shops, high-risk areas, or on-board aircraft and other means of transport.