Los Angeles Councilwoman Heather Hutt, colleagues push for ban on cashless businesses [Video]

LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Three city councilmembers Tuesday spoke in support of a proposal to ban cashless businesses in the city, in an attempt to empower residents who may not have bank accounts or who may be denied access to credit.

During a morning news conference outside City Hall, Councilwoman Heather Hutt — who last year introduced a motion to ban cashless businesses — said that when businesses do not accept cash, it creates an economy that is “not inclusive and accessible” to the city’s most vulnerable populations.

Hutt’s motion is expected to be taken up by the council’s Trade, Travel and Tourism committee this summer.

“Especially as we end April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this about our victims of domestic violence who need to use cash for their safety and escape,” Hutt said. “Electronic forms of payment can track them when trying to flee.”

Councilmembers Hugo Soto-Martinez and Eunisses Hernandez joined …