The Government has responded to Wetherspoon's decision to change its cash payment policies. In November 2024, the pub chain chose to stop taking Scottish £20 and £50 notes due to concerns over "criminal gangs" circulating forged currency.

Liberal Democrat MP Angus MacDonald questioned the Government about any discussions it had held with Wetherspoon regarding "their policy on accepting Scottish banknotes in their premises in England". Treasury minister Lucy Rigby delivered the Government's response.

She said: "There is no legal requirement for businesses to accept specific forms of payment. Each business decides which payment methods to accept based on factors including cost and customer needs and preferences."

She further clarified the Government has "no plans" to amend the legislation

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