A bill introduced in the Louisiana Legislature could spell the end of cashless concession stands at college football stadiums. The bill, House Bill 5 by Rep. Charles Owen, would require public colleges and universities to accept cash at events, including sporting events. The bill passed through the House Education Committee with an 11-2 vote, with some representatives opposing it.
Owen argued that cashless venues can be an inconvenience for attendees, especially families who have saved up money to attend events but are unable to use cash to purchase items like water, food, or merchandise. However, some universities have raised concerns about the bill. The University of New Orleans Foundation, for example, opposes the bill citing security risks and past incidents of theft involving cash transactions.
LSU reported that the bill could result in a $75,000 annual loss of revenue for its third-party vendors and potentially create longer lines at concession stands. Some proposed alternative solutions include allowing only some concession stands to accept cash or implementing reverse ATMs, similar to those found at professional sports venues that are cashless.
Next, the bill will be discussed by the full House of Representatives. The Louisiana Illuminator, an independent, nonprofit news organization, aims to shed light on how decisions made in Baton Rouge impact the lives of everyday Louisianians, particularly those who are marginalized.
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