Since it became mandatory for merchants to offer an alternative to cash payments, the Economic Inspectorate has found 458 infringements for refusing cash or electronic payments in Belgium.
The infringements were reported by MP Tania De Jonge (Open VLD) on the basis of figures provided by State Secretary for Consumer Protection, Alexia Bertrand (Open VLD).
The mandatory offering of an electronic alternative has been in place since 1 July 2022. Between that date and 1 August this year, the Economic Inspectorate received 443 reports for refusing cash and 2,295 reports for refusing electronic payments.
In the same period, inspectors carried out 3,961 checks. In the process, 458 violations were detected, leading to 433 warnings and 37 official reports. In 2022, checks were still exclusively on the basis of second-hand reports, but from 2023 they will be systematic.
De Jonge points out that when checks are carried out, traders are made aware of the obligation to disclose which means of payment are available, which should avoid unpleasant surprises for customers.
Unizo responded Saturday that the majority of traders are in order and offer at least one form of electronic payment.
As for refusing cash, the business association stressed that it is allowed under European legislation. However, Unizo pleads for clarity and wants to see the possibility of refusing cash anchored in legislation.
