4 ms·

Your own link says that they may decline cash payments. United States currency is legal for all debts public and private (it says so on the notes), but that do

• crooked-v 3y ago
  No, it must be accepted for debts. But a restaurant bill generally isn't going to be a 'debt' in that sense... if they only take credit cards and you don't have one after already eating your food, they're just going to write it off and ban you from the premises.
  • jopsen 3y ago
    Or maybe, you just drop by and pay the next day -- like a decent human being :)
  • brewdad 3y ago
    In my experience, they will direct you to the ATM on premises to get some cash. If you have neither cash nor a card to get cash, the police will be called.
• toast0 3y ago
  Many restaurants provide food and service before payment. At that point, it's a little late to refuse legal tender. Restaurants that require payment before providing food have more flexibility.
  • titanomachy 3y ago
    I imagine if the restaurant staff called the police and claimed you were refusing to pay for your meal, and your defense was “but I offered them cash”, then that would actually be a pretty good defense. It’s hard to imagine the cops siding with the restaurant and arresting you for theft. So I think you’re right, even though it sounds like a minor distinction.