Is It Legal for a Business to Be Cashless in Louisiana?

If you've done any shopping or eating out lately in Louisiana, you may have noticed what I noticed - more and more businesses are going cashless. In fact, I went to a business for lunch today that was cashless. I forgot my wallet and thought I'd have to go without eating. Luckily, I had Apple Pay set up...otherwise, I would have been in trouble. And this is far from the only place locally to not accept cash payments. From Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City to eateries all over town, cash apparently is starting to fade away all over town.

When I looked online, there's no specific details about how many businesses in Louisiana are cashless, but I did find an interesting piece on the Square website. According to their research, before the COVID pandemic hit only about 8% of businesses were cashless in America. However, post-pandemic, they estimate about 31% businesses are cashless. Which is pretty crazy to think about.

Is It Illegal For Businesses to Be Cashless in Louisiana?

The short answer is no. There is no federal or state law that prohibits a business from being cashless. However, several cities & states have made the move to prohibit businesses from accepting cash. For example, in 2019, the State of New Jersey enacted a state law that makes it illegal for businesses to refuse cash as a payment option, and a similar law has existed in Massachusetts since 1978.

Not only have states been passing legislation outlawing the banning of cash, but so have some municipalities. From Los Angles to New York to Philadelphia have all passed laws that ban cashless businesses. So, it would seem, it doesn't really matter if you're a blue state or a red state, many are taking actions to prevent cashless businesses from operating.

Here in Louisiana, we've taken some baby steps to prevent cashless businesses but we haven't jumped all the way in. Back in May of 2024, Louisiana passed a law that prevents public events at public postsecondary education institutions to be cashless - i.e. LSU Football games at Tiger Stadium.

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Will Cashless Businesses Ever Be Outlawed in Louisiana?

Cash is still printed and widely available. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a credit or debit card. On one hand, I get it. It's hard to hold up a business at gun point and steal their money if there's no cash available. Plus, this is America - should the Government be telling private businesses what forms of payment they're allowed to take?

On the other hand, not everyone has or wants to use their credit card to buy a $5 plate of wings. And, from the business side, they have to pay a certain percentage for every credit card transaction made - so it's costing them money.

But, here's what I know: as mentioned above, several cities and states are trying to protect their citizens by outlaws fully cashless businesses. I also know that the issue was raised in Louisiana with HB 448. That bill, authored by Representative Mandie Landry, didn't go past the Committee of Commerce. But, as we've seen in the past with legalized marijuana and gambling, if someone keeps pushing it it eventually leads to a discussion. And that discussion usually leads to action.

Does that mean every business will be forced to accept cash? Probably not. But, maybe grocery stores and gas stations will be. Or certain businesses that 'everyone' uses will be. It may take a few years before we ever get a full decision on the matter. But, the way this subjects has stirred such emotions across the nation, I imagine there will be a resolution in the next year or two.