Detroit Bans Cashless City Businesses

DETROIT — Detroit City Council unanimously approved a measure Tuesday that forces businesses in the city to accept cash payments during transactions.

Any city business that doesn't accept cash payments (or offer a system, such as kiosks, that transfers cash into cards with a $5 deposit limit) can get hit with a $500 fine. The new law goes into effect on Sept. 11.

While home-based businesses are exempt from the new ordinance, vendors at Ford Field, Comerica Park and the Little Caesars Arena are not.

Other exemptions include transactions conducted by mail, phone or online, along with parking garages.

The measure was proposed by Council member Angela Whitfield Calloway, who said there are more than a 100,000 residents in the city who don't use a bank.

"Accept cash. The cashless business ordinance will help over 100,000 Detroit residents who are unbanked, have equal access to goods and services in every part of the city," Whitfield-Calloway said.