A cashless KFC branch in Morriset has sparked debate amid customers’ fears of a world without cash.
But it’s not the only KFC in the state to go cashless — at least two other restaurants in Lakehaven and North Wyong now also only accept card payments, in a move that has divided the internet.
Outside the Morriset restaurant on the south-west of Lake Macquarie, a large sign reads: “This restaurant is cashless. We accept card only. Thank you.”
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It was shared last week to a Facebook group with a 250,000-strong following by a Sydney man with the caption: “This was interesting to see.
“I thought this wouldn’t be allowed, and (that) cash would be accepted everywhere,” he wrote.
“How long do you think it will be before all shops and everything in-between stop cash transactions?”
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A debate quickly erupted between the pro-cash community and those who, however nostalgic, prefer a convenience-driven digital age or the potential for a cashless store to solve safety concerns in-store.
“I think people should fight back, so we don’t lose cash,” one commenter wrote.
“They can’t refuse legal currency,” another said, quoting a common fallacy that contradicts the Australian Consumer & Competition Commission (ACCC) advice.
The ACCC states: “Businesses can choose which payment types they accept. It is legal for a business not to accept cash.”
“However, businesses should be clear and upfront about the types of payments they accept, and the total minimum price payable for their goods and services.”
7NEWS.com.au has contacted KFC for comment.
Morriset KFC has clear signage stating it does not accept cash, and the ACCC said that makes it legal. Credit: TM/ Evan Burrell/Google Maps/ Facebook
A virtual pity party erupted online for those who many people believe are being left behind by the world’s digitisation.
“I pity the poor kid who just got his pocket money and decided to head down to this KFC for a snack,” one person wrote. “But then again, it may have forced him to eat more healthy.”
Another argued: “My kids get their pocket money deposited into their bank account on the last day of the month. The world is changing.”
“I pity those of any age who get digitally scammed out of all they possess,” another wrote.
“I knew someone who died after being scammed out of every cent they possessed, even their super. The shock was too much.”
But pity was perceived on both sides of the coin, with one Facebook user noting: “It is also about minimising the risk to staff through avoiding armed robbery.”
“I pity the poor kid who has a knife held up to his face and is demanded to empty the register,” another wrote.
“As someone who worked in a retail store that got robbed, and had a co-worker who was held at knifepoint while the robber demanded she empty the cash register, I’m on the side of the business on this decision.”
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