For restaurant operators, the transition away from copper coinage has been more than a minor accounting annoyance. With over 25% of annual industry sales conducted in cash, the inability to provide exact change creates friction during transactions and complicates operations for businesses already managing thin profit margins. The new legislation provides a legal safe harbor for owners who adhere to standardized rounding principles, shielding them from potential liability during cash exchanges.
Common Cents Act Heads to White House to Resolve Penny Shortage
The U.S. Senate has passed the Common Cents Act, moving the legislation to President Trump’s desk for a final signature. The bill arrives after months of lobbying by the National Restaurant Association, aiming to resolve widespread confusion over cash rounding practices following the national phase-out of the penny.
Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, emphasized that the bill offers the necessary clarity for staff to maintain seamless service. The bipartisan effort, championed by Representatives Lisa McClain and Robert Garcia alongside Senators Cynthia Lummis and Kirsten Gillibrand, marks a rare moment of legislative consensus regarding small business infrastructure. This policy adjustment arrives as the restaurant sector continues to serve as a critical pillar of the economy, contributing over $1.5 trillion to the national GDP in 2025.
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