Lancashire business leader says not accepting cash 'not a sensible thing to do'
A group of MPs have suggested businesses may be forced to accept coins and notes
A business leader in Lancashire says that shops and restaurants refusing to accept cash might not be a "sensible thing to do".
It comes as a group of MPs tasked with holding the Treasury to account suggested businesses may be forced to accept coins and notes to protect those who rely on it.
Miranda Parker, CEO of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "Look at what's happened this week with power cuts in Spain, Portugal and France.
"Cutting ourselves off from cash use now might not be the most sensible thing to do."
Ms Parker said there are drawbacks both for customers and businesses, she added: "We do seem to be sliding towards a cashless society and it does raise concerns for businesses.
"Especially for those who deal in multiple small transactions, places like restaurants."
The Treasury Select Committee have suggested that enforced cash acceptance would make sure the UK does not "sleepwalk" into a completely cashless society, protecting those who rely on it.
They said: "As a society, we must avoid sleepwalking into a situation where cash is no longer widely accepted. This is the beginning, not the end, of our scrutiny of this issue."