AG cites four businesses for not accepting cash, imposing surcharges

The operator of the giant Ferris wheel at American Dream, along with a coffee house, bagel shop and deli, were cited by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office for refusing to accept cash or hiding credit card surcharges, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

In a Feb. 7 press release, Platkin said the four businesses – Skyviews of America LLC, Hidden Grounds Coffee, Ronnie’s Hot Bagels and Seymour’s Café – violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which requires businesses to accept cash and maintain transparency over any hidden surcharges.

According to Platkin, the citations follow an investigation by the Division of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Consumer Protection into complaints that the businesses charged consumers fees for using credit cards, debit cards or pre-paid cards without clearly disclosing such fees or did not accept cash when offered by customers as payment.

Skyviews of America was issued a notice of violation for not accepting cash as a payment and received a $1,000 penalty. According to Platkin, those who wanted to ride the Dream Wheel were told to purchase gift cards from another merchant, a transaction that included a surcharge.

Two violation notices for not accepting cash were also sent to Hidden Grounds Coffee, which the attorney general said resolved the matter by agreeing to pay $2,000, and accepting cash and minimizing any inconvenience for customers who pay with it. The café, which has locations in Hoboken, Jersey City and New Brunswick, also agreed to distribute a summary of the consent order it signed to company managers responsible for oversight and employee training, according to the state.

Ronnie’s Hot Bagels in Hilllsdale and Seymour’s Café in Clifton were cited for not being clear about surcharges to consumers, the state said. Instead, the businesses disclosed the fees on a receipt, after the transaction was complete, and were both fined $500.

Skyviews of America, Hidden Grounds Coffee, Ronnie’s Hot Bagels and Seymour’s Café did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday afternoon.

Going forward, the businesses cited for failing to notify consumers of credit card surcharges could be fined $10,000 for a first violation and $20,000 each for any that follow, Platkin said. Not accepting cash as payment is subject to a maximum penalty of $2,500 for the first violation, he added.

“New Jersey consumers deserve to know exactly how much they will be paying when they go to a store and be able to pay however they can,” Platkin said. “Many consumers from underrepresented communities do not have access to bank accounts or credit cards. Laws requiring businesses to accept cash protect those consumers and ensure social equity in stores throughout the state.”

Anyone who believes a business is in violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act can file a complaint online or call 1-800-242-5846.