District of ColumbiaDC temporarily let certain retailers and restaurants refuse cash
This now-expired emergency act let certain licensed retailers and late-night restaurants refuse cash if they posted notice; it applied as of October 18, 2025.
What it does
Certain licensed retailers and late-night restaurants could refuse cash if they clearly told customers on the door or menu. This permission applied as of October 18, 2025, and expired January 22, 2026.
Argument forWorkers at covered businesses might have handled less cash when their employers chose this option, leaving less cash on site.
Argument againstCustomers who only had cash might have been unable to buy from a covered business that chose to refuse it.
More detail
Covered retailers and restaurants could refuse cash payments. It covered retailers with valid on-premises Class C or D retailer licenses and restaurant locations open 24 hours a day or at 3 a.m. at least two days a week. The business had to display clear written notice on its door or menu that it did not accept cash. The act applied as of October 18, 2025, after the mayor signed it, and expired on January 22, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Nov 7Act A26-0176 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 012391, Expires on Jan 22, 2026Latest
- Oct 27Returned from Mayor
- Oct 24Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0176, Expires on Jan 22, 2026Became Law
- Oct 15Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Oct 29, 2025To Governor
- Oct 7Final ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded Final Reading. Result: pass.Legislature
- Oct 7Retained by the Council
- Oct 6B26-0394 Introduced by Councilmember Henderson at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
Consumer ProtectionEconomy & Jobs