Amazon Go beware: New York legislation proposes ban on cash-free stores

Don’t throw away your wallets just yet: cash-free businesses may be in trouble if proposed legislation moves forward in New York City.

New York City Council member and bill sponsor Ritchie Torres said that retail stores and restaurants only accepting cash-free or digital payments are discriminating against people who can’t afford credit cards and bank accounts, Fast Company reports. Torres introduced legislation last week to ban cash-free establishments and force businesses to accept cash, writes The Associated Press.

If the legislation were to pass, Amazon would need to re-evaluate its cash-less Amazon Go stores, which currently only accepts payment via smartphone app. The retail giant was hoping to expand Amazon Go in New York City, and planned to open a cash-free location near its new HQ2 home.

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Bills similar to Torres' have previously been proposed in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Chicago, reports NextCity. Chicago currently hosts three Amazon Go stores. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has reportedly expressed "tentative support" for a ban on credit card-only business.