Popular bakery reverses controversial cashless policy after public outcry
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In the bustling streets of Perth, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and the clinking of coffee cups are a daily symphony, a popular bakery chain found itself at the centre of a heated debate.
Mary Street Bakery, a well-known cafe with five locations across the city, made a bold move during the pandemic to go cashless, citing time-saving benefits and a nod to the increasing digitalisation of commerce.
However, this decision was met with a swift and vocal backlash from the community it served.
The bakery's owner, Paul Aron, quickly learned that while technological advancements can streamline operations, they can also inadvertently exclude valued patrons.
The push to go cashless, initially seen as a modern step forward, turned into a stumbling block as customers voiced their discontent, some even resorting to verbal abuse towards staff over the policy.
'I also realised over time that it is difficult for some people not to use cash, and I don't want to alienate any of our customers,' Mr Aron explained.
This realisation prompted a U-turn on the cashless policy, reinstating the acceptance of notes and coins to ensure inclusivity for all customers, regardless of their preferred payment method.
The return to traditional currency was not without its challenges. The bakery had to navigate the logistics of processing daily cash takings in an era where bank branches are becoming increasingly scarce.
Mr Aron stated: ‘It's time that it takes for our stores to count cash in the morning, in the afternoon and when they close, and it's the time it takes my accounting team to reconcile seven cash drawers and to figure out unders and overs, and the closure of bank branches is making it really hard to bank.’
'It's quite an expense and a bit of a pain, actually, but my overarching sentiment is that I was happy to bring it back because it's about making sure everyone who wants to come can come—and about protecting my staff,' he explained.
This local story echoes a national conversation about the role of cash in Australian society.
Independent federal MPs Andrew Gee, Bob Katter, and Dai Le introduced the Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia bill to parliament, underscoring the importance of maintaining cash as a viable payment option.
The proposed legislation aims to ensure that businesses in 'face-to-face settings' accept cash payments up to $10,000, with significant penalties for non-compliance.
Under the bill, individuals could be fined up to $5,000 and businesses up to $25,000, with an exemption only for security reasons.
The bill's proponents argued that it is 'crucial in protecting the availability and acceptance of cash payments across the nation,' recognising that while digital payments offer convenience, they should not come at the cost of accessibility and choice.
As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving economy, stories like these highlight the enduring value of cash and the need for businesses to remain adaptable and attuned to the diverse needs of their community.
So, dear members, we invite you to share your thoughts on this matter. Have you faced similar situations where cashless policies have affected your shopping experience? Do you welcome the convenience of digital payments, or do you believe there's still a place for cash in our wallets? Join the conversation and let us know in the comments below.
Mary Street Bakery, a well-known cafe with five locations across the city, made a bold move during the pandemic to go cashless, citing time-saving benefits and a nod to the increasing digitalisation of commerce.
However, this decision was met with a swift and vocal backlash from the community it served.
The bakery's owner, Paul Aron, quickly learned that while technological advancements can streamline operations, they can also inadvertently exclude valued patrons.
The push to go cashless, initially seen as a modern step forward, turned into a stumbling block as customers voiced their discontent, some even resorting to verbal abuse towards staff over the policy.
A popular cafe in Perth decided to accept cash again after customer backlash. Image source: @mary_street_bakery/Instagram
'I also realised over time that it is difficult for some people not to use cash, and I don't want to alienate any of our customers,' Mr Aron explained.
This realisation prompted a U-turn on the cashless policy, reinstating the acceptance of notes and coins to ensure inclusivity for all customers, regardless of their preferred payment method.
The return to traditional currency was not without its challenges. The bakery had to navigate the logistics of processing daily cash takings in an era where bank branches are becoming increasingly scarce.
Mr Aron stated: ‘It's time that it takes for our stores to count cash in the morning, in the afternoon and when they close, and it's the time it takes my accounting team to reconcile seven cash drawers and to figure out unders and overs, and the closure of bank branches is making it really hard to bank.’
'It's quite an expense and a bit of a pain, actually, but my overarching sentiment is that I was happy to bring it back because it's about making sure everyone who wants to come can come—and about protecting my staff,' he explained.
This local story echoes a national conversation about the role of cash in Australian society.
Independent federal MPs Andrew Gee, Bob Katter, and Dai Le introduced the Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia bill to parliament, underscoring the importance of maintaining cash as a viable payment option.
The proposed legislation aims to ensure that businesses in 'face-to-face settings' accept cash payments up to $10,000, with significant penalties for non-compliance.
Under the bill, individuals could be fined up to $5,000 and businesses up to $25,000, with an exemption only for security reasons.
The bill's proponents argued that it is 'crucial in protecting the availability and acceptance of cash payments across the nation,' recognising that while digital payments offer convenience, they should not come at the cost of accessibility and choice.
As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving economy, stories like these highlight the enduring value of cash and the need for businesses to remain adaptable and attuned to the diverse needs of their community.
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