Following recent discussions concerning the non-acceptance of cash payments in certain businesses, Luxembourg's Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Consumer Protection have reiterated that cash remains an acceptable means of payment during the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis.

In a statement released this afternoon, the respective ministries have appealed to the various stakeholders to manage the situations arising in payments in businesses with "mutual respect" and "common sense". The ministries referred to a press release issued by Banque centrale du Luxembourg on 17 March 2020, which pointed out that there is currently no evidence that cash is particularly likely to the spread of coronavirus.

While recognising that stores and traders may wish to minimise the use of cash in order to limit physical interaction during the current health crisis, the Finance and Consumer Protection Ministries recalled that several vulnerable people cannot pay for their purchases electronically. As such, the ministries assured that they have no intention of questioning the use of cash as a means of payment.

The respective ministries have appealed in the interest of all concerned to show understanding and pragmatism and to favour as far as possible card or smartphone payments while taking into account the needs and constraints of vulnerable people by accepting cash or even proposing alternative payment solutions.