Woolworths bans cash payments at some stores – and furious shoppers claim the policy is ILLEGAL
- Woolworths introduces trial ban on cash payments in selected Metro stores
- New policy which began Monday prompted online outrage from some shoppers
- Woolworths assured the cashless trial won't be expanded to bigger stores
A trial ban on cash transactions in selected Woolworths stores has sparked outrage from angry shoppers who have threatened to boycott the supermarket giant.
The retailer introduced the trial system in 11 Metro stores across Sydney and Melbourne this week, saying it provides a faster and more convenient payment method for busy shoppers.
'We have made some changes to the way you can pay in this store,' the new policy sign reads.
'Payments can now only be made by card. We no longer accept cash payments or offer cash-out facilities. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.'
Shoppers were quick to voice their disapproval after noticing the new signs.
Woolworths Metro Manly (pictured) on Sydney's northern beaches is one of 11 stores trialling the new cashless payment system
Some have threatened to boycott the retailer over the trial policy.
'Personally I wouldn't shop there. I'd take my money elsewhere,' a woman posted on Woolworths' Facebook page.
Another added: 'Cash is still legal tender in Australia as far as I know. Don't accept cash. Don't expect my business!'
Other shoppers demanded an explanation.
'Can you explain why this is necessary? And don't say the virus - we all know that isn't the reason,' one wrote.
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The new trial launched this week sparked uproar from shoppers, who threatened to boycott
Many shoppers questioned if the trial policy was legal.
'Are they even allowed to do that? I’m pretty sure you can’t deny someone wanting to pay with cash as it’s legal tender,' one wrote.
A Woolworths spokesman assured shoppers there are no plans to expand the cash-free trial to bigger supermarkets.
'Cash remains an important payment option for many of our customers and will continue to be offered as a payment form in all Woolworths supermarkets and the majority of our Metro stores,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday.
Woolworths assured the cashless payment trial won't be implemented in bigger supermarkets, including Sydney's Town Hall store (pictured)
'To help make shopping as seamless as possible for busy inner-city customers we're trialling card only transactions in a small number of Metro stores in CBD locations. These stores have very few cash transactions.'
Affected Metro stores in the Sydney CBD include York and George Streets, along with Strawberry Hills, North Sydney and Manly.
Melbourne CBD Metro store involved include Bourke St, Melbourne Central, Swanston St, Elizabeth St, Collins Square, Little Collins.
Payment options include mobile app Scan&Go, EFTPOS and credit card transactions.
