长效推进巩固整治成效，支付环境再优化 为延伸宣传触角，支行组建了"金融政策宣讲小分队"，深入节日消费重点场景开展"面对面"精准宣教。宣讲队员走进 周边商圈、农贸市场、餐饮街区，通过发放宣传册等形式，向商户经营者与过往群众普及《中华人民共和国人民币管 理条例》核心要求，明确"非现金支付不得替代现金法定地位"的原则。针对商户普遍关注的"找零难"痛点，同步推 广"零钱包"申领、零钞预约兑换等便民服务，现场指导商户规范现金收付流程，协助张贴"支持现金支付"标识。 岁末年初，节日消费热潮渐起，现金作为法定货币的支付兜底作用愈发重要。为切实维护人民币法定货币地位，保障 广大消费者尤其是老年群体、外籍来华人员等重点人群的支付选择权，营造包容便捷、公平有序的现金流通环境，温 州银行台州天台支行紧扣节日消费特点，于2026年1月21日开展拒收现金整治专项宣传活动，以多维度举措、精准化 服务打通政策落地"最后一公里"，为年末节日消费市场筑牢金融保障防线。 多维联动织密宣传网络，政策知晓全覆盖 在营业网点，通过LED屏滚动播放"人民币是法定货币，任何单位和个人不得拒收"等权威标语，设立宣传专区摆放政 策解读折页、典型案例宣传手册， ...

Core Viewpoint - The issue of cash refusal, particularly regarding the 0.5 yuan banknote, has become a significant concern for consumer rights and payment equity, prompting regulatory action from the People's Bank of China and other authorities to ensure cash acceptance [1][11][14]. Group 1: Merchant Behavior - A survey of 15 merchants revealed that only 5 were willing to accept 0.5 yuan banknotes, while 10 either outright refused or provided excuses such as "not in circulation" or "not valuable" [3][4]. - Many merchants, particularly individual business owners, lack awareness of the legal obligation to accept cash, mistakenly believing that small denomination banknotes are no longer valid [5][6]. - The shift towards mobile payment methods has marginalized small cash transactions, leading to a perception among merchants that 0.5 yuan notes are obsolete [5][6]. Group 2: Regulatory Response - The People's Bank of China, along with other regulatory bodies, has issued new regulations to prevent the refusal of cash payments, set to take effect on February 1, 2026 [11][12]. - The regulations require businesses to maintain adequate change and ensure smooth cash transactions, emphasizing the legal status of cash as a payment medium [12][14]. - Previous cases of penalties for refusing cash payments have been publicized, indicating ongoing efforts to enforce compliance [13]. Group 3: Implications for Consumers - The refusal to accept 0.5 yuan banknotes disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and low-income individuals, exacerbating the digital divide [6][7]. - Despite the challenges, 0.5 yuan banknotes remain in circulation and are legally recognized as valid currency, contradicting merchants' claims of their obsolescence [8][9]. - The need for cash as a payment option is underscored by its role in ensuring financial equity and stability, particularly for those without access to digital payment methods [6][7]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - To address the cash refusal issue, banks should enhance the supply and accessibility of small denomination cash, while community organizations should educate merchants about their legal obligations [10][15]. - A collaborative approach involving regulators, banks, and merchants is essential to create a seamless cash acceptance environment, ensuring that all payment methods coexist effectively [15].