🚀 go-pugleaf

Actually the law didn't change.  The law prohibits charging
a surcharge for using a credit card.  The law originated when
gas stations started charging a premium for using credit cards.
Shrewd operators seizeed on the fact that the law did not
prohibit giving a discount for paying cash.  They simply raised
their prices and offered a discount for paying cash.  The net
effect is identical.  One is legal and the other is not.

The same tactic was used in states that adopted the Uniform
Residential Landlord Tenant Act.  The act prohibits charging a
late fee on rents.  Shrewd andlords raised their prices by 5%,
made the due date the 5th of the month and offered a 5% discount
for paying your rent five days early.

In either case, I don't know that I would make such a big deal of
it.  Banks charge the merchant 2-5% of their credit card sales
volume.  The merchant is just trying to pass on the added cost of
doing business via credit card.  It makes sense that those who
use credit cards should pay their fair share of the additional
freight.  This keeps the prices lower for everyone.

Bob

____________________________________________________________________
 Robert H. Merriman       Russian Linguist    merriman@merriman.com
 P. O. Box 219          Science & Technology    (301)725-2006/voice
 Laurel, MD  20725    Business, Economics, Law    (301)725-2007/fax