This concerns payments to retailers or, for example, in hospitality establishments. However, some exceptions will apply in the context of specific activities or safety. This is stated in the draft decision by Minister Heinen of Finance and State Secretary Rutte of Justice and Security, which goes into consultation today for a period of six weeks. The aim is for the acceptance obligation to come into effect in 2027.
The obligation to accept cash applies to payments made by consumers at the counter. This guarantees that cash payments are possible as widely as possible. At the same time, accepting cash also has disadvantages. There are particular concerns about the safety of entrepreneurs and employees. Large amounts of cash increase the risk of crime, such as robberies. Therefore, the cabinet has established several exceptions for situations where it is necessary to refuse cash payments.
Cash may be refused during the night between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Other situations exempted from the acceptance obligation include: online purchases, periodic payments such as phone subscriptions or energy bills, buying public transport tickets, (meal) delivery services, and other door-to-door sales. Payments at unmanned locations, such as gas stations and toll booths, are also exempted. Additionally, entrepreneurs may refuse cash payments during periods when safety risks are present. Finally, small entrepreneurs (with fewer than four employees) may refuse cash payments due to safety concerns.
The draft decision goes into consultation today for six weeks. Afterwards, comments will be processed and the decision will be submitted to the House of Representatives and Senate. Then it will be sent to the Council of State for advice.
Negotiations are also currently underway at the European level regarding an acceptance obligation and its exceptions. If this European legislation is adopted, it may affect the exceptions in this decision.
