Overview
- Polarzauber AG reversed its decision and will allow cash at the Zurich main station market after protests from vendors and visitors.
- The scrapped policy had required card or mobile payments only, with repeat cash acceptance punishable by fines of up to 500 Swiss francs.
- Organizers had cited safety and smoother operations for the cashless plan, while critics suspected easier sales monitoring tied to revenue sharing.
- Stallholders warned that a large share of purchases is made in cash, with one operator reporting roughly 45 percent of turnover in notes and coins.
- Commenters also argued a ban would disadvantage children and older people, and the market now restores choice with both cash and digital payments accepted.