King County Council Mandates Cash Acceptance for Businesses
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KIRO Seattle
King County Council has voted in favor of an ordinance requiring businesses to accept cash, impacting over 300,000 individuals in unincorporated King County. The proposal aims to protect the rights of the unbanked, who face barriers to accessing basic needs due to cashless business practices. The close 5-4 vote followed months of debate and amendments, including exemptions for certain consumer services and the ability for retailers to apply for exemptions based on theft history and distance to banking services. The new rule will take effect on July 1, 2025.