CASEYVILLE, ILL. – With the summer heat rolling around, local ice cream shop Dairy Haven took to social media this morning to warn customers of their standing cash-handling policy.
In a Facebook post, Dairy Haven manager Joshua Hill wrote, “If money is seen being pulled from anywhere other than a pocket, wallet, purse, satchel, murse… and pulled from a sweaty body area WE WILL REFUSE IT!!”
According to the Federal Reserves, private businesses are allowed to refuse cash payment unless state says otherwise
As a cash-only business, Dairy Haven has run into this issue more frequently, particularly during the warmer months. According to Hill, the problem goes beyond minor inconvenience.
“It has gotten to a point where people are pulling money out of their sweaty armpits and the thought of handing that back to other customers is just unsanitary,” Hill said.
A New York University research study found that a dollar bill can harbor about 3,000 microbes, including fungi, bacteria and pathogens.
While there is currently no signage displaying this policy, Hill said that he relies on what he considers to be “general courtesy and morality.”
However, if the issue continues, signs may be posted to avoid further confusion or conflict.
Despite some public feedback suggesting a move to digital payment could solve the problem, Hill said Dairy Haven has no intention of going cashless, with tradition and maintaining low prices as their reason for maintaining their long-standing system.
Hill advises that customers who arrive unprepared, an ATM is located just across the street.