The legislative change took effect on Monday. It obliges grocery stores and pharmacies to accept cash as a means of payment. The goal is to remain operational during technical failures or crisis situations. Additionally, people who are not comfortable with digital payment methods should not be excluded.
Carlos Cancino of the Coop supermarket chain told the news agency TT: “In some situations, when technology fails, coins and banknotes can be the only payment method that works.” Nevertheless, the vast majority of Swedes still prefer to pay by card or phone. Some stores are annoyed that they now have to accept cash again. According to TT, some have already announced they will not comply.
The regulation contains numerous exceptions: supermarkets without staffed checkouts or stores where accepting cash would endanger employees are exempt. Retailers can also cite the cost of a cash system. They do not have to accept more than 25 coins. So far, there are no plans for how violations will be penalized.
Cash usage in Sweden has been declining for years. In a survey by the Swedish central bank last September, only five percent of respondents said they had paid for their last purchase in cash. Nevertheless, for emergencies, the central bank recommends that Swedes keep around 90 euros in cash at home.
Source: www.tagesspiegel.de
