Official:Amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,” by adding provisions prohibiting retail establishments from rounding transaction totals upward when a customer tenders cash without exact coinage, and requiring rounding downward to the nearest five-cent increment; all under certain terms and conditions.
Sponsor: Councilmember Bass
Introduced: April 23, 2026
: Committee on Commerce & Economic Development
Status: In Committee, step 2 of 4
This bill proposes a new law that requires retail establishments in Philadelphia to round cash transactions downward when a customer doesn't have exact change. Retailers are not allowed to round upward and must clearly disclose their rounding policy.
AI-written. Every figure is checked against the bill text.
AI-written arguments. Every figure is checked against the bill text.
This bill requires retail stores in Philadelphia to accurately calculate change, preventing them from keeping a portion of the customer's money by rounding up, and ensuring that customers receive their correct change when they pay with cash. It benefits customers, particularly those who rely on cash transactions, by preventing unfair business practices and promoting transparency. Small business owners, who must now provide exact change, may incur minimal administrative costs, but this bill maintains fairness and honesty in the city's commerce.
This bill unfairly burdens local businesses with the costs and logistical challenges of accurately processing cash transactions. By forcing retailers to round transactions downward, the bill creates a financial incentive for customers to avoid tendering exact change, potentially leading to more "change" requests and an increased burden on retailers.
Neither side is the site's position. They are here so you can weigh the bill yourself.
Add your view and see how other readers lean. One vote per person.
to cast your vote
West Broad Street Businesses Exempt from Commercial Curfew with Limited Exception
260710 · Introduced · 2026
Philadelphia businesses must clearly disclose automatic renewal terms to consumers.
260925 · In Committee · 2026
Online Payment Portals Face New Restrictions, Fees to Be Reviewed Under Proposed Rule
260640 · In Committee · 2026
Philadelphia Hotels Ordered to Warn Guests About Room-Disrupting Service Issues Immediately
260639 · In Committee · 2026
Retailers must meet specific standards and be located in certain districts for tobacco sales.
260851 · In Committee · 2026
Philadelphia Zoning Maps Get Overhaul as Council Eyes Changes to Land Use Rules in Northeast Philly Neighborhood
260345 · Introduced · 2026
City Council Proposes Zoning Overhaul for Properties Along North Philadelphia's 18th Street Commercial Corridor
260344 · Introduced · 2026
City Council Seeks Zoning Overhaul for Northeast Philly Neighborhood Boundaries
260343 · Introduced · 2026
Every City Council bill since 2000, summarized in plain English.