Philadelphia Officials Say Amazon Has Warned City That Proposal to Ban Cashless Stores May Prevent Store Opening

Philadelphia city officials have said Amazon.com Inc. has stated a city proposal to ban cashless stores may stop the online retailer from opening a brick-and-mortar location, an Amazon Go store, in the city, according to the The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Philadelphia's City Council had passed a proposal with a 12-4 vote that would prohibit most stores from not allowing payment in cash or charging people who pay with cash a higher price. The penalty for violating the ordinance could be up to $2,000. The proposal has now gone to Mayor Jim Kenney for his decision. His options are to sign, veto or take no action on the legislation by the first City Council meeting that occurs at least 10 days after the bill's passage. If no action is taken, the bill still becomes law.