Cash is King, Or So We Thought: Unpacking New Jersey's Payment Law

Imagine this: You're at the counter, wallet in hand, ready to pay for your purchase with crisp, legal tender. Cash, you know? It's been the bedrock of commerce forever. But then, a pause, a shake of the head from the cashier, and a polite — or perhaps not-so-polite — refusal. "We don't take cash here," they say. What? Can they actually do that? For a customer named John K. in New Jersey, that was precisely the baffling scenario he faced, reportedly at a cannabis dispensary, prompting him to ask: Is this even legal?

Well, honestly, for most businesses in the Garden State, the answer is a resounding 'no,' they can't. New Jersey, it turns out, has a pretty clear-cut law on the books, signed into existence by Governor Phil Murphy back in 2019, that insists brick-and-mortar establishments accept cash for in-person transactions. It's a consumer protection measure, really, designed with a rather important principle in mind: everyone, regardless of whether they have a bank account or prefer plastic, should be able to buy things.

This isn't some obscure, forgotten statute, either. It’s about access, ensuring that the unbanked — a significant portion of the population, after all — aren't excluded from everyday purchases. And, you could argue, it also caters to those of us who just prefer the tangible simplicity of paying with actual money, a little rebellion against the ever-encroaching cashless society. But make no mistake, it applies to face-to-face dealings, the kind where you hand over money and get a product right then and there.

Now, like most laws, there are, of course, a few exceptions. And it’s good to know them. Businesses aren't mandated to take cash for online orders, purchases made via mail, or telephone transactions. Think of it this way: if you're not physically standing in front of them, cash isn't necessarily required. Parking facilities, for example, are also exempt, and so are rental vehicle businesses. But for your typical store, restaurant, or — yes — even a cannabis dispensary where you’re physically present, cash is supposed to be accepted.

What happens if a business decides to flout this rule? The state takes it seriously. For a first offense, a business could be looking at a fine of $2,500. And if they keep at it, well, that penalty jumps to a hefty $5,000 for subsequent violations. That’s a pretty strong incentive, wouldn’t you say, to make sure those cash registers are ready for greenbacks.

So, for consumers like John K., the message is clear: know your rights. If you find yourself in a situation where a New Jersey business refuses your cash payment for an in-person transaction, you're not just imagining things; they’re likely in violation of the law. You can, and probably should, file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Because, in truth, while cards are convenient, sometimes you just want to pay with cash, and in New Jersey, for most places, you absolutely should be able to.