UK high street shops increasingly adopting cashless payment systems

Many high street shops and restaurants in the UK have recently stopped accepting cash payments. This shift includes major chains like Pret a Manger, Gail's Bakery, and Pizza Hut, which now only allow card transactions. The government has supported this move, stating businesses can choose to go cashless. Some brands, like Waitrose, still accept cash at certain locations, but many have eliminated cash payments entirely from their self-checkouts. The decision to go cashless has drawn criticism. Campaign groups argue it unfairly limits access for older people and those who rely on cash, such as victims of domestic abuse. Critics say this change makes cash users feel like "second-class citizens." Supporters of the cashless trend claim it improves security and efficiency for businesses. Gail's Bakery, for instance, says being cashless reduces the risk of crime and cut down on environmental impacts related to cash handling. While some customers have faced difficulties, restaurants like Zizzi and Itsu encourage digital payments as part of a smoother transaction process. The government has insisted it will not let the UK become fully cashless, aiming to address concerns about financial inclusion.