Pub-goers and diners have been warned to take cash with them if they are going for a meal or drink in pubs, cafes and restaurants in England from Monday.
Throughout the pandemic people have been urged to use cashless payment wherever possible - paying by card and contactless methods.
But there is a warning that may not be possible with outdoor dining and drinking.
Landlords have expressed fears over signal to card machines outdoors as the government says indoor payments should be a 'last resort'.
Guy Moreve, Chief Marketing Officer of Dojo, part of the Paymentsense brand said: "Waiting staff often get caught short by failed card transactions – due to poor internet connectivity outside of their pub or restaurant building. This will provide a huge challenge for small and medium businesses that can only reopen with outside service – and want to encourage contactless-only payments, for hygiene and safety.
"Flipping between indoor and outdoor payments or even card only to cash and card is not just a logistical headache, it could even result in lost profits. And this comes at such a critical time for the hospitality industry’s survival."
Pubs, cafes and restaurants can reopen in England from Monday, April 12 but must offer table-service only and people have to eat and drink outside.
You are allowed inside to go to the toilet or to get through to an outside area.
Ordering and paying at the bar or counter is against the rules.
