The King County Council is considering whether to require businesses in unincorporated King County to accept cash. The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce delivered the following testimony to the King County Council on June 20. The Chamber is continuing to track this proposed legislation.
Testimony June 20, 2023
On behalf of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and our 2,500 members, over 80% of which are small- or medium-sized businesses, we ask that King County Councilmembers vote no on agenda item 6, legislation prohibiting retailers in unincorporated King County from refusing to accept payment in cash.
While we understand and appreciate the intent of the ordinance, we worry that it would increase the public safety risk for businesses to operate in unincorporated King County. It could increase the risk of property crime and burglary, which is why many businesses—particularly small businesses—choose to go cashless. It could impose increased security costs for businesses that may not have had appropriate time to plan for managing cash on premises. It could create confusion for businesses and consumers alike due to special carve outs and exemptions.
This ordinance does not necessarily close the gap for unbanked individuals to access to goods and services. Grocery stores and pharmacies already accept cash and have given no indication that will change.
Now is not the time to make it harder to do business in our region. Please vote no on this bill next week. Thank you.