On April 30, 2024, Councilwoman Heather Hutt (Council District 10) gathered with Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez (CD1) and Hugo Soto-Martinez, along with Community Coalition President, Alberto Retana, and Jenesse Center Director of Compliance, Leslie Belt, for a press conference that called the City of Los Angeles to ban businesses from going Cashless.
The City empowers all of its residents to participate in its economic development, including the practice of purchasing goods and services. However, there are millions of Americans who are unable to obtain bank accounts or have been denied access to credit, preventing them from being able to engage in consumer transactions unless they are able to pay for goods and services in cash.
Today’s press conference discussed the inequity that happens when businesses do not allow cash as a form of payment.
“The simple fact is that cashless businesses create an economy that is not inclusive and accessible to some of our most vulnerable populations,” Councilwoman Hutt said during the press conference.
Councilwoman Hutt also stated that, “Especially as we end April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this about our victims of domestic violence who need to use cash for their safety and escape. Electronic forms of payment can track them when trying to flee.”
The motion is scheduled to be reviewed by the Trade, Travel, and Tourism committee in Summer 2024. Further details regarding more information and a specific date will be given as soon as possible.
For more information on Council District 10, please visit: https://councildistrict10.lacity.gov/.