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Committee advances outreach on proposed cashless retail ban, holds parts of framework for further work
Summary
The committee moved to solicit business input on a CLA‑recommended cashless retail framework, instructing EWDD, CLA and the civil‑rights office to report back in 60 days on enforcement models, exceptions and education; council held some recommendations for additional stakeholder review.
The committee instructed the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD), the Chief Legislative Analyst and the city department referenced in the CLA report to solicit small‑business feedback and return in 60 days with recommendations on enforcement and fines for a proposed cashless retail ban framework.
CLA staff presented a survey of other jurisdictions and a menu of possible requirements — acceptance of cash, prohibition on charging higher prices to cash‑paying customers, and banning cashless‑only signage — alongside exceptions used elsewhere (large bill denominations, transactions over certain amounts, parking garages, sporting and entertainment venues, mobile vendors and temporary outages). The presentation recommended assigning enforcement to the city entity noted in the report that already conducts civil rights inspections and partnering with EWDD on small‑business outreach.
Council members and witnesses debated the rationale for exemptions, whether large venues such as Dodger Stadium should be exempted, whether the civil rights office and EWDD are the right enforcement leads, and the administrative burden of enforcement. One council member urged a simpler, strict‑liability approach (you either accepted cash or you did not), while others argued for a broader process that includes notice, opportunity to cure and appeals.
The motion adopted by the committee directs EWDD with CLA and the civil‑rights department to consult the Small Business Commission, business representatives and other stakeholders on the proposed framework and enforcement approaches and report back in 60 days with findings and recommendations for education and enforcement.
Next steps: EWDD and CLA will gather stakeholder input and return to the committee with a report on exemptions, evidentiary and enforcement standards, and possible penalty structures before the committee decides whether to advance an ordinance.
