The Entertainment Establishment Employee Safety Amendment Act of 2025, introduced by Councilmember Christina Henderson and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Brooke Pinto and Matthew Frumin, aims to allow retail establishments with valid on-premises Class C or Class D licenses, as well as certain restaurants, to refuse cash payments. This legislation is a response to public safety concerns, particularly for businesses that sell alcohol, which have reported incidents of robbery and burglary. Under the proposed law, these establishments must provide written, conspicuous notice to the public indicating that cash payments are not accepted.

The bill amends Section 28-5404 of the District of Columbia Official Code, specifically by adding a new paragraph that permits cashless transactions for eligible businesses, provided they meet the specified conditions. The changes reflect a growing trend in consumer payment preferences, with a significant increase in contactless transactions and a decline in cash usage. The legislation seeks to balance the safety needs of employees and patrons while acknowledging the reliance of some individuals on cash for essential goods and services.