Wetherspoon Pubs Have Banned Scottish Financial institution Notes 

In a win for cashless supporters, the favored pub large JD Wetherspoon has introduced it’ll cease accepting financial institution notes at English pubs – however, err, provided that it’s Scots.

Based on stories, the ban comes after JDW bosses acquired a warning about numerous bogus £20 and £50 payments coming from over the border.

The Scottish Solar mentioned that some Scottish vacationers have been left “embarrassed” after their notes had been refused at Wetherspoon branches in England over the past 12 months.

No ‘spoons for Scots

Whereas the story was first reported by The Scottish Solar final week, the ban on tartan financial institution notes was apparently rolled out to Wetherspoon pubs final November.

One month earlier, the Financial institution of England had apparently alerted bosses on the pub chain that organised crime gangs had put numerous faux £20 Scottish financial institution notes into circulation. In February, a comparable warning was issued by West Yorkshire police after counterfeit Clydesdale £20 notes had been used to buy items in some native shops.

A spokesperson for the chain, Eddie Gershon added that “recommendation was given [to JDW bosses] as to the best way to establish them — however with a warning to not settle for if unsure.

“This warning, coupled with a rise within the receipt of pretend notes by pubs, led to a call in late November final 12 months to not settle for Scottish £20 notes.”

Gershon additionally clarified that the coverage doesn’t apply in Scotland. Sure English cities and cities with shut hyperlinks to these north of the border will likely be allowed to simply accept Scots notes.

They will’t take our money, however they’ll by no means take our freedom

Companies anxious about dealing with the same Scottish dilemma is perhaps shocked to be taught that they’re even allowed to ban a complete forex from getting used. However excessive road corporations even have a authorized proper to refuse particular fee varieties, says the Financial institution of England.

Nonetheless, whereas it’s finally as much as every enterprise to determine whether or not or to not settle for payments – for fraud prevention functions or in any other case – there are some concerns for bosses. 

Analysis from takepayments revealed that 56% of Brits nonetheless carry money and use it in-store – up 26% since 2023, a bunch that enterprise house owners may danger alienating with a no-cash rule.

One sad purchaser may not look like the top of the world. But, in as we speak’s buying and selling setting, hospitality should take all it may well. The CGA RSM Hospitality Enterprise Tracker reveals that gross sales have been static or unfavourable in 5 out of the seven first months of 2025.

With client spending down and the business haemorrhaging expertise, a money ban have to be fastidiously utilized. The Scottish Solar spoke to at least one buyer who felt exhausting completed by the JDW’s new coverage, and mentioned “no rationalization had been given” by Wetherspoon’s managers.

Managers ought to make sure the coverage is clearly communicated effectively upfront by way of signage at entrances, notices on menus, and updates on web sites and reserving methods. Workers coaching can also be key so staff can confidently clarify the reasoning behind a change.