Public Safety

Cashless Protections

Accepting and storing cash on-site exposes restaurant workers, operators, and patrons to safety risks including robbery and burglary. As consumer payment preferences shift with available technology and those safety threats persist, operators should have the flexibility to adopt payment systems that reduce them. 

The Cashless Retailers Prohibition Act of 2018 (B22-0875) generally requires restaurants and retailers to accept cash. The Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 (B25-0735) paused that requirement due to public safety concerns, but the pause expired January 1, 2025 — leaving businesses without a permanent solution. The Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Amendment Act (B26-0064) would fix that, but only for a narrow part of the industry: Class C and D license holders and late-night establishments operating until at least 3 a.m. 

Consumer behavior has already moved past that narrow scope. Federal Reserve data shows contactless transactions grew from 2.9 billion in 2018 to 17.9 billion in 2023 – nearly sixfold – and cash is now the least common payment method in restaurants and bars. The safety case is just as strong: every restaurant with a cash-free policy that RAMW surveyed had previously been robbed or burglarized. 

RAMW supports expanding B26-0064 to cover all foodservice businesses — not just alcohol-serving and late-night establishments. Fast-casual restaurants, cafes, and bakeries face the same cash-handling risks, often with smaller staffs and fewer security resources. Every operator deserves the same tools to protect workers and patrons, regardless of license type or hours.