Popular New Brunswick Coffee Shop Fined By State For Refusing Cash

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — A New Brunswick coffee shop frequented by Rutgers students was fined by the state this week because their staff refused to accept customers paying in cash.

The coffee shop is Hidden Grounds Coffee, located on Easton Avenue right by the New Brunswick train station. They also have two locations in uptown and downtown Hoboken.

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin fined the business $2,000, which they agreed to pay. They also agreed to retrain all their employees. Here is the citation issued to Hidden Grounds: https://nj.gov/oag/newsrelease...

There is a trend today of many businesses going "cash-less."

It is illegal, said Attorney General Platkin, the state's top law enforcement officer. Many poor people simply do not have credit or debit cards.

“New Jersey consumers deserve to be able to pay however they can,” he said. “Many consumers from underrepresented communities do not have access to bank accounts or credit cards."

Merchants in New Jersey must always give customers the option to pay cash, said the Attorney General and the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, a powerful state agency that protects consumers' rights in New Jersey.

“The law protects consumers’ right to pay for goods and services with cash," said Cari Fais, the acting Consumer Affairs director.

And, while businesses are allowed to charge credit card surcharges, they are required to disclose those fees prior to purchase. Businesses are expressly forbidden from advertising one price and then charging a higher fee when a customer goes to pay.

The Ferris wheel operator at American Dream mega-mall was also fined by the Attorney General for preferring to accept credit or debit cards only.

When a customer tried to pay in cash, Dream Wheel staff required them to purchase gift cards from another merchant, which came with a surcharge, said the AG.

American Dream Ferris wheel operator Skyviews of America was given a $1,000 fine and a warning to end the practice, or they could be shut down by the state.

American Dream Ferris Wheel Fined By State For Not Accepting Cash

Also fined this week by the state:

• Ronnie’s Hot Bagels in Hillsdale - issued a $500 penalty for not disclosing card surcharges
• Seymour’s Café in Clifton - issued a $500 penalty for not disclosing card surcharges

If you want to report a New Jersey business you think is not being fair or honest with customers, file an online complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs. Consumers can also call 1-800-242-5846 to receive a complaint form by mail.