Care worker speaks out over ‘no cash’ policies at Pizza Hut and Burger King

A care worker says the ‘no cash’ policy at some restaurants is discriminating against people who are unable to pay any other way.

Shelley Taylor, who has been a care worker for four years, said it was difficult to explain to people with special needs why they could no longer go to places like Pizza Hut, Burger King and Domino’s in towns such as Blackburn.

She said the ‘no cash’ policy meant people would have to find alternative places to dine and miss out on their favourite meals.

Shelley, of Blackburn, said: “I understand that the policies came into place during Covid and there are reasons why this happened.

“I do get why places started only accepting payments by card.

“But the policy has remained in place and it means anyone wanting to pay by cash can longer dine in these places.

“As a care worker we are asked to pay with the clients money. You can’t pay for it yourself and then claim it back as you need special authorisation. This may not be possible all the time.

“I have been to these restaurants and ordered and then got told we had to pay by card. The client does get distressed when this happens.

“It is all about independent living and encouraging people to pay for the meal themselves. They want to hand the money over themselves and be part of the transaction.

“It is all part of the process of going out.”

Shelley, alongside husband Shaun, works for different companies and helps clients learn about going out into the community and partaking in simple activities many others may take for granted.

Shelley said: “Not everyone has a card nor a phone with which to pay with.

“The simple process of handing over cash can do so much for some of our clients confidence.

“To be told that you cannot go into some of the favourite places is very hard to explain and they may not understand that it is due to them not accepting cash.”

The Pizza Hut website says all restaurants are currently operating as cashless restaurants.

The Burger King UK website says it ‘went cashless as a safety response to Covid-19 in order to keep teams and guests safe’.

It is now said to be testing bringing back cash in a small number of restaurants and are ‘monitoring the guest and team feedback’.

Domino’s Pizza in Blackburn also only accepted card payments.