Amazon warns Philly about proposed cashless store ban

Online giant told officials the new legislation would impede it from opening a Go store in the city
2/15/2019

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.

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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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