Arts venues including Royal Albert Hall ban cash while boasting of 'inclusivity'

Current affairs, gossip and general conversation

Arts venues including Royal Albert Hall ban cash while boasting of 'inclusivity'

Postby dutchman » Sun Apr 17, 2022 9:45 pm

Critics including charity Age UK say move is unfair and disproportionately affects elderly customers

Image

Some of Britain’s best-loved artistic institutions, including the Royal Albert Hall, are still refusing to accept cash to "improve safety and hygiene" despite all Covid restrictions now being lifted.

High-profile cultural organisations have blocked customers from paying with physical money since the pandemic began. However critics including charity Age UK said the ban was unfair and disproportionately affected elderly customers.

The Royal Opera House, the National Theatre and the Southbank Centre have also all remained cashless.

Each of these organisations promotes “inclusion” policies on their websites but refuses to accept coins and notes, the preferred method of payment for the elderly, disabled and vulnerable.

Age UK branded their decision to ban physical currency as “extremely disappointing”. People with health conditions, disabilities and dexterity issues find paying in cash much easier than with a bank card or a phone, the charity said.

Four million people who are reliant on cash are over 65 years old, according to a recent survey by the Royal Society of Arts. Millions more simply prefer to use cash over cards, including many young people who prefer notes and coins for budgeting reasons.

Age UK's Caroline Abrahams said: “Not all older people are online or have a smartphone, and others have health conditions or disabilities that make cash easier to use.

“We have noticed that the numbers of venues of all kinds posting ‘card only’ signs are creeping up. This is extremely disappointing and we would encourage every public-facing body to look at ways in which they can continue to cater for older people who use cash, so as not to exclude them.”

Kevin Dowd, professor of finance and economics at Durham University, said: "Citing Covid safety concerns is hogwash. There is neither reason nor evidence to suggest that cash poses a more significant Covid safety issue than digital currency.

"These institutions’ cash policies are detrimental to the elderly."

Image
User avatar
dutchman
Site Admin
 
Posts: 50144
Joined: Fri Oct 23, 2009 1:24 am
Location: Spon End

Re: Arts venues including Royal Albert Hall ban cash while boasting of 'inclusivity'

Postby rebbonk » Sun Apr 17, 2022 10:11 pm

"These institutions’ cash policies are detrimental to the elderly."


The institutions may find that this backfires on them. I hope they don't go passing the begging bowl around when the squeeze that is coming starts hitting them.
Of course it'll fit; you just need a bigger hammer.
User avatar
rebbonk
 
Posts: 65453
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:01 am


Return to General Discussion

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests

  • Ads