District of ColumbiaD.C. temporarily let certain retailers and late-night restaurants refuse cash
Certain licensed retailers and restaurants open very late could refuse cash if they displayed a clear notice, under a temporary D.C. law that has expired.
What it does
Retailers with a valid Class C or D license for sales on site, and restaurants open 24 hours or at 3 a.m. at least twice a week, could refuse cash if they posted clear notice. The temporary law has expired.
Argument forRestaurants open overnight could have their workers handle less cash during late hours if they chose to refuse it.
Argument againstCustomers who rely on cash could be unable to buy food at a covered restaurant that chooses to refuse it.
More detail
Covered businesses could refuse cash payments. It covered retailers with a valid on-premises Class C or D retailer license and restaurants open 24 hours or at 3 a.m. at least two days a week. They had to display a clear notice on the door or menu saying they did not accept cash. The law says it applied as of October 18, 2025. It took effect December 31, 2025, and expired August 13, 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
- 2026
- Jan 23Law L26-0077, Effective from Dec 31, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 000610, Expires on Aug 13, 2026Latest
- 2025
- Nov 21Act A26-0195 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 012880
- Nov 17Transmitted to CongressMinor
- Nov 10Returned from Mayor
- Nov 10Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0195Became Law
- Oct 28Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Nov 12, 2025To Governor
- Oct 21Final Reading, CCMinor
- Vote recorded Final Reading, CC. Result: pass.Legislature
- Oct 10Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0395 Published in the District of Columbia Register
- Oct 7First ReadingMinor
- Vote recorded First Reading. Result: pass.Legislature
- Oct 7Retained by the Council
- Oct 6B26-0395 Introduced by Councilmember Henderson at Office of the SecretaryIntroduced
Economy & JobsConsumer Protection