We’ve all seen how technology changes things, making some parts of life more manageable. But sometimes, these changes can affect the simple joys we look forward to, especially when it involves spending time with family.
Picture those special outings with your kids or grandkids, maybe doing something you’ve always enjoyed together. Now, imagine a small change that suddenly makes it harder to keep those traditions going. It makes you wonder if progress always means leaving behind the easy ways we’ve always done things.
In a world where digital transactions are becoming the norm, an ice skating rink in Adelaide recently decided to stop accepting cash payments, which upset many of its customers. Due to the strong reactions from patrons, the rink reversed its decision, and this change has been welcomed as a win for consumer choice.
The Ice ArenA, a popular destination for families and skating enthusiasts, initially announced that it would stop accepting cash payments after 31 March. This move aligned with a broader trend towards cashless operations, which many businesses argue can reduce costs and streamline staff processes.
However, the rink’s decision was met with customer dissatisfaction, with some even threatening to boycott the venue.
‘Dang was going to bring my kids on holidays, but this kind of move puts me right off a business… We’ll go rollerskating instead! Good luck with all these awful business decisions,’ one customer wrote on social media.
‘This is a fantastic idea if your plan is to keep people away,’ said another.
The backlash was not without merit. A poll of over 21,700 revealed that a staggering 89 per cent believe cash should always be an option for payment.
This overwhelming preference for cash among Australians showed that despite the convenience of digital payments, a significant portion of the population still relies on or prefers physical currency.
In response to the uproar, Ice ArenA took a rare step back and decided to continue accepting cash payments.
‘After receiving your feedback, it’s clear how important the option to pay in cash is for many of our customers. While we’re excited to introduce new online payment options for public skating and other activities to make your visits even more convenient, we will continue to accept cash payments at entry,’ Ice ArenA said in a statement.
‘We want you to know that your voices matter, and we’re committed to ensuring that the Ice Arena remains a place for everyone to enjoy.’
This decision was met with relief and praise from the community.
One customer wrote, ‘Not only did you listen to your customers, but you also made the changes to include everyone’s choices. It’s so rare these days, so thank you so much.’
The incident at Ice ArenA is a microcosm of a larger debate happening across Australia and the world. As businesses increasingly move towards cashless operations, there is a growing concern about excluding those who cannot or choose not to use digital payment methods.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has stated that while businesses can legally refuse cash, they must be transparent about payment terms and conditions and ensure that at least one fee-free payment option is available.
The Australian government also plans to mandate that businesses offering ‘essential services’ accommodate cash payments. A discussion paper regarding this initiative suggested that the following services might be included in the list:
- Supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Dentists
- General Practitioners
- Hardware stores
- Insurers
- Pet stores
- Veterinarians
- Service stations
- Mechanics
On the other hand, cafes, takeaways, bottle shops and hairdressers could be exempted.
This move underscores that cash is not just a payment method but a ‘lifeline’ for many, especially for the 1.5 million Australians who use cash for more than 80 per cent of their in-person payments.
‘Cash also provides an easily accessible back-up to digital payments in times of natural disaster or digital outage,’ Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said.
Have you encountered similar situations? Do you prefer cash or digital payments? Join the conversation and let us know in the comments below.
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I use cash almost every day, and see a large number of others doing the same.
If the item that I am purchasing is less than $10, then I pay cash, and not with my card and its surcharge !!
Even if the Surcharge was to be removed, there are still some transactions that will be done by cash.