Wetherspoon pubs are refusing Scottish bank notes

In a win for cashless supporters, the popular pub giant JD Wetherspoon has announced it will stop accepting bank notes at English pubs – but, err, only if it’s Scots.

According to reports, the ban comes after JDW bosses received a warning about a large number of bogus £20 and £50 bills coming from over the border.

The Scottish Sun said that some Scottish tourists have been left “embarrassed” after their notes were refused at Wetherspoon branches in England over the last year.

No ‘spoons for Scots

While the story was first reported by The Scottish Sun last week, the ban on tartan bank notes was apparently rolled out to Wetherspoon pubs last November.

One month earlier, the Bank of England had apparently alerted bosses at the pub chain that organised crime gangs had put a large number of fake £20 Scottish bank notes into circulation. In February, a similar warning was issued by West Yorkshire police after counterfeit Clydesdale £20 notes were used to purchase goods in some local stores.

A spokesperson for the chain, Eddie Gershon added that “advice was given [to JDW bosses] as to how to identify them — but with a warning not to accept if in doubt.

“This warning, coupled with an increase in the receipt of fake notes by pubs, led to a decision in late November last year not to accept Scottish £20 notes.”

Gershon also clarified that the policy does not apply in Scotland. Certain English towns and cities with close links to those north of the border will be allowed to accept Scots notes.

They can’t take our cash, but they’ll never take our freedom

Businesses worried about facing a similar Scottish dilemma might be surprised to learn that they are even allowed to ban an entire currency from being used. But high street firms actually have a legal right to refuse specific payment types, says the Bank of England.

Still, while it is ultimately up to each business to decide whether or not to accept bills – for fraud prevention purposes or otherwise – there are some considerations for bosses. 

Research from takepayments revealed that 56% of Brits still carry cash and use it in-store – up 26% since 2023, a group that business owners could risk alienating with a no-cash rule.

One unhappy buyer might not seem like the end of the world. Yet, in today’s trading environment, hospitality must take all it can. The CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker shows that sales have been static or negative in five out of the seven first months of 2025.

With consumer spending down and the industry haemorrhaging talent, a cash ban must be carefully applied. The Scottish Sun spoke to one customer who felt hard done by the JDW’s new policy, and said “no explanation had been given” by Wetherspoon’s managers.

Managers should ensure the policy is clearly communicated well in advance through signage at entrances, notices on menus, and updates on websites and booking systems. Staff training is also key so employees can confidently explain the reasoning behind a change.