Several national chains with outlets in Belfast have moved to cashless payments as the trend grows across the high street — but the shift has sparked some backlash from consumers.
Belfast Live has investigated which well-known businesses in the city are refusing to accept cash and contacted the companies involved for comment.
Those confirmed as operating cashless policies are largely concentrated in the hospitality sector, including restaurants, cafés and hotels, though the approach has also spread to other industries such as telecommunications.
Japanese food restaurant chain YO! Sushi displays prominent signage at the entrance of its Victoria Square location stating that it does not accept cash. The company was approached for comment but did not respond.
Malmaison, the boutique hotel chain with a location on Victoria Street, also operates a predominantly cashless model. However, the company said staff are permitted to accept cash in certain circumstances.
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A spokesperson told Belfast Live: “Malmaison operates a predominantly cashless model across our hotels, reflecting guest preferences and supporting safe, efficient service. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all and recognise that on occasion, a guest may not have access to a cashless payment method. In these circumstances our teams are empowered to accept cash.”
While some chains have publicly confirmed cashless policies, this does not necessarily mean every outlet under the same brand follows the same approach.
Domino’s Pizza, for example, moved towards cashless payments during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a spokesperson said decisions are made by individual franchise owners. Belfast Live contacted several Domino’s outlets across the city, with a number confirming they still accept cash.
The company is not alone in this franchise-led approach, and customers are advised to check with individual stores before assuming a location is cashless.
Pizza Hut is another chain that operates cashless policies in some locations, though this may not apply universally. Customers are advised to check payment options when placing orders. Belfast Live contacted Pizza Hut for comment but did not receive a response.
Italian restaurant chain Zizzi, which has two Belfast locations, advertises itself as cashless. The company was contacted for comment but did not respond.
Its website states: “To provide the smoothest and fastest payment experience, and to keep our teams safe, we are cashless and we encourage card, Apple Pay or Google Pay transactions.”
Popular Mexican restaurant chain Boojum, which has four Belfast locations, also operates a cashless policy.
A statement on its website reads: “Every Boojum store has been operating as card and contactless only since March 2020. This reflects changes in consumer behaviour post-pandemic and allows for faster service and shorter queues.”
The chain did not respond to a request for comment.
The Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre, located on Talbot Street, is another cashless venue. Belfast Live confirmed this directly with the hotel, which also applies the policy to its SQ restaurant and bar. The venue did not respond to an email request for comment.
Chocolate café chain Knoops, which has a store in Victoria Square, states on its website that all locations are cashless. The company’s media department did not respond to Belfast Live’s enquiry.
Telecommunications retailer VodafoneThree, which operates two stores in Belfast, confirmed both locations are cashless.
A spokesperson said: “Following the creation of VodafoneThree, we are aligning our processes across all our stores in the UK, including moving to cashless. We have already seen benefits, including a reduction in fraud, and we are supporting customers with the change.”
Latin-inspired bar and restaurant Revolución de Cuba, which has a Belfast location, currently operates a cashless policy. However, a spokesperson told Belfast Live the approach is under review.
They said the policy was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to support safety and efficiency but acknowledged that payment preferences vary and a spokesman said the company is reconsidering its position.
A significant portion of UK adults now live largely cashless lives, relying on contactless cards and mobile payments for everyday purchases. But as digital payments become the default for many, questions are being raised about accessibility, consumer choice and whether some people risk being left behind as cash continues to disappear from the high street.
The ongoing closure of bank branches on high streets is also playing a role in a move away from cash. With fewer physical banks available, both customers and businesses are increasingly reliant on digital payment systems. For some businesses, security concerns are another factor, as holding large amounts of cash on-site can pose risks — something contactless payments help to reduce.
In the weeks ahead, Belfast Live will continue exploring this issue in more detail as we seek answers from businesses, campaigners and others to determine whether the move towards cashless payments across the board is inevitable.
What do you think about the decline of cash in Belfast? Are you a business or a consumer that wants to add to the series? Email Rob.Currell@reachplc.com
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