Customers are threatening to boycott a famous fast-food chain over claims stores may be moving toward a cashless system.
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Patrons at McDonald's outlets in Melbourne's south took to social media after noticing signs popping up revealing stores would only accept cash during certain hours.
"For the ongoing safety of our staff and customers, we will no longer accept cash payments between midnight and 6am," the sign read.
While some social media users called the move "reasonable", others threatened to boycott the chain over the move.
"We will take our cash elsewhere," one commenter wrote.
It's believed the change is only affecting restaurants in Melbourne's south and eastern suburbs, and the outlets will still accept cash if it's the only payment method available.
A McDonald's Australia spokesperson said the changes had been made due to safety concerns.
"In response to recent incidents, McDonald's restaurants in Melbourne's East and South have implemented a number of proactive safety measures to ensure the ongoing protection of our people and customers," he said.
"This includes asking customers to use cashless payment methods where possible."
It comes amid increasing moves by many big businesses and major institutions to phase out cash where possible.
Macquarie Bank announced it would begin to phase out cash and cheque payments in 2024.
Customers will no longer be able to deposit or withdraw cash over the counter at branches from May.
Convenience store 7-Eleven also removed ATMS from outlets across the country in December, effectively phasing out cash withdrawals.
