The imposition of martial law on 24.02.2022 on the territory of the whole state slightly changed the proportionality of cash circulation among the population. As a result, refusals to accept non-cash payments by some entrepreneurs (catering establishments, shops, pharmacies, etc.) were not uncommon, as they were not able to give the rest to those consumers who made cash payments (mostly pensioners receiving cash pensions, citizens who withdrew funds from cards, etc.).
Therefore, citizens are increasingly asking questions: do they have the right to refuse to make a card payment during martial law?
Consumers have the right to freely use the cards when making payments in shops, catering establishments, etc.
This right is guaranteed to them by Art. 17 of the Law “On Consumer Protection”.
Entities are prohibited from restricting the use of electronic means of payment if the seller is required by law to accept them for payment.
However, there are some exceptions to the general rules.
The following may refuse to pay by card:
closed catering establishments, which serve in particular the personnel of the Armed Forces and other military formations, students, pupils, and teachers of higher, vocational, general educational institutions, and employees of industrial enterprises;
trade enterprises with retail space up to 20 square meters. meters (except for gas stations);
business entities that carry out economic activities in settlements with a population of fewer than 25 thousand people.
(item 2 of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine №878 of September 29, 2010).
The decree is in force during martial law and has not been amended recently.
