The King River Tavern, a pub located on the edge of the King River in Western Australia, has been operating as a cash-only establishment for the past 15 years. This unique policy was implemented following a flood that damaged the restaurant, leading to the decision to close it and eliminate the associated costs of electronic payment machines.
Despite the potential inconvenience for customers who may not carry cash, the tavern's owner, Sam James, maintains that the majority of patrons support the policy. She cites the refreshing nature of using cash and the ability to operate during power outages as key advantages. However, she acknowledges that this approach may not be suitable for all businesses, particularly those that serve food.
The tavern's cash-only policy coincides with a broader trend of declining cash usage in Australia. Bank closures and the increasing popularity of electronic payments have contributed to this shift. However, concerns about access to cash, particularly in regional areas, have led to the emergence of movements advocating for the continued use of physical currency.