Amazon warns Philly about proposed cashless store ban

Philadelphia officials say Amazon has warned that a proposed ban on cashless stores would impact plans to open a brick-and-mortar location in the city.

Philly.com reports that the City Council approved a bill Thursday that would prohibit most stores from refusing to take cash as payment. Proponents argue that cashless stores discriminate against low-income residents who don’t have credit or debit cards.

Councilman Allan Domb says Amazon told the city that if the bill passed, it would not consider locating an Amazon Go cashier-less convenience store in Philadelphia. City spokesman Mike Dunn confirmed Amazon told the city the legislation would “impede” plans for a Go store.

Amazon declined comment.

The online giant abandoned plans on Thursday to locate a second headquarters in New York City amid opposition from activists and politicians.

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Information from: Philly.com, http://www.philly.com/