In February 2025 the U.S. Mint was directed to stop producing pennies. By October 2025, Federal Reserve coin terminals were already scaling back penny orders, creating widespread shortages and forcing businesses to adopt ad hoc rounding practices without clear legal guidance.
Restaurants are still a cash business—more than one in four purchases are paid in cash. When operators can’t provide exact change, it creates friction at checkout, frustrates customers, and could expose business owners to legal challenges.
To resolve the shortage and ensure smooth transactions, the National Restaurant Association is pursuing a two-pronged solution:
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Restore penny circulation: We’re urging the Federal Reserve and its coin distribution network to resume distributing pennies to banks and credit unions. This would stabilize supply and give Congress time to act.
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Create a national rounding standard: We’re working with lawmakers to pass the Common Cents Act, which would establish clear, nationwide rules for rounding cash transactions when exact change isn’t available. This legislation must preempt conflicting state laws and create a safe harbor for restaurant and other business owners who need to round when exact change is unavailable
Competition is fierce and consumer expectations are high in the restaurant industry. Any friction in the dining experience can mean lost business for restaurant operators. A uniform federal rounding standard and restored penny circulation are essential to good hospitality.