Safety concerns trigger cashless policy at McDonald’s, spark heated debate among customers

Many are increasingly becoming more reliant on technology, especially businesses.

McDonald's, a global fast-food giant, has recently sparked a wave of outrage among its Australian customers due to a sudden shift towards cashless payments at certain times of the day in some Melbourne branches.

This move, which McDonald's claims is for safety reasons, has left many customers disgruntled and threatening to boycott the chain.



A customer from Clayton South McDonald’s, in Melbourne’s south, shared a photo of signs at the restaurant's entrance.

The sign read, 'For the ongoing safety of our staff and customers, we will no longer accept cash payments between midnight and 6 am.'


SDC 3.png
Some McDonald’s stores in Melbourne implemented a cashless policy from midnight to 6 am. Image source: Shutterstock.


This customer, a regular patron for years, was taken aback by this sudden change and called for others to boycott the branch.

'Boycott this Maccas,' they said.

'I don’t come here that regularly, but I have been for years and (have) only seen this today.'



When the customer questioned the staff about the reason behind the cashless move, they were told it was due to a recent robbery.

However, the customer was not satisfied with this explanation.

'Either way, I don’t care, I’m paying cash regardless,' the customer said.

The customer's call for a boycott sparked a heated debate on social media.

While some users agreed that the cashless policy was inconvenient, others defended McDonald's, arguing it was a sensible move to protect staff.



A McDonald’s spokesperson explained that the decision to go cashless was implemented in restaurants in Melbourne’s East and South.

However, they assured that cash would still be accepted if that was the only payment method available to the customer.

'The safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our top priority,' the spokesperson said.

'In response to recent incidents, McDonald’s restaurants in Melbourne’s East and South have implemented a number of proactive safety measures to ensure the ongoing protection of our people and customers.'

'This includes asking customers to use cashless payment methods where possible.'

The spokesperson thanked customers for their understanding and cooperation as the company continues to prioritise safety in its restaurants.



This comes after news of outrage from the recent nationwide Optus outage, which left millions of Aussies unable to make digital transactions.

The incident also ignited a heated debate about the country's readiness to abandon cash entirely, with many arguing that the outage underscores the importance of maintaining a dual system of cash and digital payments.

The outage—which went on for over nine hours—had a domino effect, crippling thousands of businesses across the country that rely on EFTPOS machines for transactions. As a result, customers were forced to revert to cash payments.

You can read more about this story here.
Key Takeaways
  • Some McDonald's stores in Melbourne are moving towards cashless payments, citing staff and customer safety concerns.
  • The move has sparked outrage among some customers, leading to calls for boycotts of the chain.
  • McDonald’s responded by stating the safety and wellbeing of their staff and customers is a top priority, and the cashless policy is a response to recent incidents.
  • The policy is specific to certain times of the day at certain restaurants, and cash will still be accepted if it is the patron's only method of payment.
What's your take on this, dear readers? Does opting for cashless transactions as an anti-robbery measure make sense? Or is it an unreasonable move for a food business? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
 
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Many are increasingly becoming more reliant on technology, especially businesses.

McDonald's, a global fast-food giant, has recently sparked a wave of outrage among its Australian customers due to a sudden shift towards cashless payments at certain times of the day in some Melbourne branches.

This move, which McDonald's claims is for safety reasons, has left many customers disgruntled and threatening to boycott the chain.



A customer from Clayton South McDonald’s, in Melbourne’s south, shared a photo of signs at the restaurant's entrance.

The sign read, 'For the ongoing safety of our staff and customers, we will no longer accept cash payments between midnight and 6 am.'


View attachment 38704
Some McDonald’s stores in Melbourne implemented a cashless policy from midnight to 6 am. Image source: Shutterstock.


This customer, a regular patron for years, was taken aback by this sudden change and called for others to boycott the branch.

'Boycott this Maccas,' they said.

'I don’t come here that regularly, but I have been for years and (have) only seen this today.'



When the customer questioned the staff about the reason behind the cashless move, they were told it was due to a recent robbery.

However, the customer was not satisfied with this explanation.

'Either way, I don’t care, I’m paying cash regardless,' the customer said.

The customer's call for a boycott sparked a heated debate on social media.

While some users agreed that the cashless policy was inconvenient, others defended McDonald's, arguing it was a sensible move to protect staff.



A McDonald’s spokesperson explained that the decision to go cashless was implemented in restaurants in Melbourne’s East and South.

However, they assured that cash would still be accepted if that was the only payment method available to the customer.

'The safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our top priority,' the spokesperson said.

'In response to recent incidents, McDonald’s restaurants in Melbourne’s East and South have implemented a number of proactive safety measures to ensure the ongoing protection of our people and customers.'

'This includes asking customers to use cashless payment methods where possible.'

The spokesperson thanked customers for their understanding and cooperation as the company continues to prioritise safety in its restaurants.



This comes after news of outrage from the recent nationwide Optus outage, which left millions of Aussies unable to make digital transactions.

The incident also ignited a heated debate about the country's readiness to abandon cash entirely, with many arguing that the outage underscores the importance of maintaining a dual system of cash and digital payments.

The outage—which went on for over nine hours—had a domino effect, crippling thousands of businesses across the country that rely on EFTPOS machines for transactions. As a result, customers were forced to revert to cash payments.

You can read more about this story here.
Key Takeaways

  • Some McDonald's stores in Melbourne are moving towards cashless payments, citing staff and customer safety concerns.
  • The move has sparked outrage among some customers, leading to calls for boycotts of the chain.
  • McDonald’s responded by stating the safety and wellbeing of their staff and customers is a top priority, and the cashless policy is a response to recent incidents.
  • The policy is specific to certain times of the day at certain restaurants, and cash will still be accepted if it is the patron's only method of payment.
What's your take on this, dear readers? Does opting for cashless transactions as an anti-robbery measure make sense? Or is it an unreasonable move for a food business? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Nothing to do with safety they want to get rid of counter staff that's why they spent so much money on those stupid self service machines , lot of people on low incomes and homeless, SADLY EAT MCDONALD'S how can they pay . Money is legal tender . THE STATES AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT should put a stop to this rubbish. STOP BUYING FROM companies that do this to Australians
 
I much prefer cash, but I can well understand why McDonald's is doing this, it is to protect their staff, as that time of the night is a good time for criminals to attack as there are hardly any police around, good on McDonalds, NO CASH NO ROB. Simple if you want to pay cash do it before midnight.
 
Many are increasingly becoming more reliant on technology, especially businesses.

McDonald's, a global fast-food giant, has recently sparked a wave of outrage among its Australian customers due to a sudden shift towards cashless payments at certain times of the day in some Melbourne branches.

This move, which McDonald's claims is for safety reasons, has left many customers disgruntled and threatening to boycott the chain.



A customer from Clayton South McDonald’s, in Melbourne’s south, shared a photo of signs at the restaurant's entrance.

The sign read, 'For the ongoing safety of our staff and customers, we will no longer accept cash payments between midnight and 6 am.'


View attachment 38704
Some McDonald’s stores in Melbourne implemented a cashless policy from midnight to 6 am. Image source: Shutterstock.


This customer, a regular patron for years, was taken aback by this sudden change and called for others to boycott the branch.

'Boycott this Maccas,' they said.

'I don’t come here that regularly, but I have been for years and (have) only seen this today.'



When the customer questioned the staff about the reason behind the cashless move, they were told it was due to a recent robbery.

However, the customer was not satisfied with this explanation.

'Either way, I don’t care, I’m paying cash regardless,' the customer said.

The customer's call for a boycott sparked a heated debate on social media.

While some users agreed that the cashless policy was inconvenient, others defended McDonald's, arguing it was a sensible move to protect staff.



A McDonald’s spokesperson explained that the decision to go cashless was implemented in restaurants in Melbourne’s East and South.

However, they assured that cash would still be accepted if that was the only payment method available to the customer.

'The safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our top priority,' the spokesperson said.

'In response to recent incidents, McDonald’s restaurants in Melbourne’s East and South have implemented a number of proactive safety measures to ensure the ongoing protection of our people and customers.'

'This includes asking customers to use cashless payment methods where possible.'

The spokesperson thanked customers for their understanding and cooperation as the company continues to prioritise safety in its restaurants.



This comes after news of outrage from the recent nationwide Optus outage, which left millions of Aussies unable to make digital transactions.

The incident also ignited a heated debate about the country's readiness to abandon cash entirely, with many arguing that the outage underscores the importance of maintaining a dual system of cash and digital payments.

The outage—which went on for over nine hours—had a domino effect, crippling thousands of businesses across the country that rely on EFTPOS machines for transactions. As a result, customers were forced to revert to cash payments.

You can read more about this story here.
Key Takeaways

  • Some McDonald's stores in Melbourne are moving towards cashless payments, citing staff and customer safety concerns.
  • The move has sparked outrage among some customers, leading to calls for boycotts of the chain.
  • McDonald’s responded by stating the safety and wellbeing of their staff and customers is a top priority, and the cashless policy is a response to recent incidents.
  • The policy is specific to certain times of the day at certain restaurants, and cash will still be accepted if it is the patron's only method of payment.
What's your take on this, dear readers? Does opting for cashless transactions as an anti-robbery measure make sense? Or is it an unreasonable move for a food business? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Go cashless Macca's it simple stick your plastic burgers 🍔 where the sun don't shine and I'll do my custom at Hungry Jack's bigger better burgers 😋
 
I minimised the amount of cash I carry after my handbag was stolen.
Having said that, I would not use my card to pay for an 80c soft serve. So, I keep a $20 note in my wallet just in case.
My hubby is a cash person and avoids using his card. Doesn't trust big brother.
After the big Optus outage, I would hope a strong message was sent to the ding bats who think a totally cashless society is the way to go.
There is also the passing on of fees to be considered. Customers will no doubt have to bear the brunt.
 
It's a good idea BUT what about the robbers high on drugs or with an anger issue? If they can't get what they want, in this instance, cash, their anger will be fueled and they will get violent, out comes the knives and guns etc. and they will lash out at the workers etc. and who knows how many will get hurt or worse instead of just giving them the cash and having them run away when the cash is given to them, leaving everyone safe!
 
Nothing to do with safety they want to get rid of counter staff that's why they spent so much money on those stupid self service machines , lot of people on low incomes and homeless, SADLY EAT MCDONALD'S how can they pay . Money is legal tender . THE STATES AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT should put a stop to this rubbish. STOP BUYING FROM companies that do this to Australians
If they are on low incomes I don't see how they can afford to eat at Maccas, their prices have all gone up and the food is smaller than it used to be. Hardly a substitute for a filling meal at all.
 
Many are increasingly becoming more reliant on technology, especially businesses.

McDonald's, a global fast-food giant, has recently sparked a wave of outrage among its Australian customers due to a sudden shift towards cashless payments at certain times of the day in some Melbourne branches.

This move, which McDonald's claims is for safety reasons, has left many customers disgruntled and threatening to boycott the chain.



A customer from Clayton South McDonald’s, in Melbourne’s south, shared a photo of signs at the restaurant's entrance.

The sign read, 'For the ongoing safety of our staff and customers, we will no longer accept cash payments between midnight and 6 am.'


View attachment 38704
Some McDonald’s stores in Melbourne implemented a cashless policy from midnight to 6 am. Image source: Shutterstock.


This customer, a regular patron for years, was taken aback by this sudden change and called for others to boycott the branch.

'Boycott this Maccas,' they said.

'I don’t come here that regularly, but I have been for years and (have) only seen this today.'



When the customer questioned the staff about the reason behind the cashless move, they were told it was due to a recent robbery.

However, the customer was not satisfied with this explanation.

'Either way, I don’t care, I’m paying cash regardless,' the customer said.

The customer's call for a boycott sparked a heated debate on social media.

While some users agreed that the cashless policy was inconvenient, others defended McDonald's, arguing it was a sensible move to protect staff.



A McDonald’s spokesperson explained that the decision to go cashless was implemented in restaurants in Melbourne’s East and South.

However, they assured that cash would still be accepted if that was the only payment method available to the customer.

'The safety and wellbeing of our people and customers is our top priority,' the spokesperson said.

'In response to recent incidents, McDonald’s restaurants in Melbourne’s East and South have implemented a number of proactive safety measures to ensure the ongoing protection of our people and customers.'

'This includes asking customers to use cashless payment methods where possible.'

The spokesperson thanked customers for their understanding and cooperation as the company continues to prioritise safety in its restaurants.



This comes after news of outrage from the recent nationwide Optus outage, which left millions of Aussies unable to make digital transactions.

The incident also ignited a heated debate about the country's readiness to abandon cash entirely, with many arguing that the outage underscores the importance of maintaining a dual system of cash and digital payments.

The outage—which went on for over nine hours—had a domino effect, crippling thousands of businesses across the country that rely on EFTPOS machines for transactions. As a result, customers were forced to revert to cash payments.

You can read more about this story here.
Key Takeaways

  • Some McDonald's stores in Melbourne are moving towards cashless payments, citing staff and customer safety concerns.
  • The move has sparked outrage among some customers, leading to calls for boycotts of the chain.
  • McDonald’s responded by stating the safety and wellbeing of their staff and customers is a top priority, and the cashless policy is a response to recent incidents.
  • The policy is specific to certain times of the day at certain restaurants, and cash will still be accepted if it is the patron's only method of payment.
What's your take on this, dear readers? Does opting for cashless transactions as an anti-robbery measure make sense? Or is it an unreasonable move for a food business? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Simply fixed.... do not frequent the place....EVER.
 

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