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.
