Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Christina Henderson

The bill allows certain retail and restaurant venues to refuse cash by requiring conspicuous notice that cash is not accepted.

Final Reading

Purpose and intent

B26-0710, the Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Extension Emergency Amendment Act of 2026, proposes an emergency amendment to allow certain retail and restaurant establishments to refuse cash payments under specified conditions.

The overarching aim appears to be enhancing employee safety by limiting cash handling in specific venues, though the bill text frames it as enabling establishments to refuse cash and require conspicuous notice.

Key provisions and changes

Legislative vehicle: Emergency amendment to section 28-5404 of the DC Official Code.

Amendments to existing text:

Paragraph (3)(C) is adjusted by changing a punctuation mark from a semicolon-trail to a semicolon, effectively altering how items are separated in the list.
Paragraph (4) is amended by replacing the period with a semicolon and “or,” continuing the list.

New provision added (Paragraph (5)):

Establishments must display written, conspicuous notice on the door or on the menu stating that cash payments are not accepted.
Applies to:
(A) Retail establishments with a valid on-premises Class C or Class D retailer license; or
(B) A restaurant location (defined in § 25-101(43)) that operates:
- (i) 24 hours a day; or
- (ii) At 3:00 a.m. at least 2 days a week.

The bill does not specify payment alternatives (e.g., credit/debit cards, digital wallets) beyond the prohibition on cash, nor does it set caps or conditions on when cash can be refused beyond those listed.

Fiscal impact statement: The Council adopts the Budget Director’s fiscal impact statement (consistent with the General Legislative Procedures Act) but the text does not provide specific dollar amounts or cost estimates within the summary.

Effective date: To take effect after the Mayor’s approval (or Council action to override a Mayor veto) and after a 30-day congressional review period as required by the DC Home Rule Act.

Who or what would be affected

Retail establishments with a valid on-premises Class C or Class D retailer license.

Restaurant locations that are:

Open 24 hours a day, or
Open at 3:00 a.m. at least two days per week.

In all affected establishments, customers must be informed in a conspicuous manner that cash payments are not accepted.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Status: Introduced and retained by the Council in June 2026.

Action path: Upon enactment, the act requires mayoral approval (or Council override of a veto) and a 30-day congressional review period before taking effect.

The bill is categorized as an emergency amendment, suggesting it is intended to take effect more rapidly than a standard legislative process, subject to the emergency provisions.

Practical considerations and potential impacts

Employee safety rationale may center on reducing cash handling during late hours or in high-risk environments; however, the text does not specify safety mechanisms beyond notice requirements.

Businesses must ensure conspicuous notice is displayed, potentially affecting customer experience and operations, especially for venues with late or overnight hours.

The bill does not address how customers will pay (other than cash) or how refunds, tips, or gratuities are handled in cashless environments.

There could be compliance considerations for existing signage and door/menus to meet the “written, conspicuous” notice requirement.