FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: AUGUST 27, 2015
RE: PRESS RELEASE – LEGAL TENDER STATUS
Don’t they have to take my money? They want me to pay by credit card, check or money order. Isn’t my money legal tender?
The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs advises there is no Federal statute mandating that a private business, a person or an organization must accept currency or coins for payment for goods or services. Private businesses such as movie theaters, convenience stores and gas stations are free to develop their own policies on whether or not to accept cash unless there is a State law which says otherwise. For example, a business may prohibit payment in pennies or dollar bills, or may refuse to accept large denomination currency as a matter of policy.
Consumer Affairs can be reached at 340-3260.