Stores will be penalized for refusal to accept bank cards

The stores with smaller turnover will be able to continue charging only in cash. Sales outlets will be penalized by Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Consumer Rights and Human Welfare Protection), and the size of penalty will vary between 30 000 and 50 000 RUB from each fixed violation. The so-called period of transition will act before 1 January 2015, during which enterprises should prepare for relevant innovations. 

Therewith separate sellers will be also penalized, if an organization has all necessary equipment for non-cash payment, but an employee refuse to settle it. In this case a penalty can be imposed on this seller as company's officer at the rate of 15 000 - 30 000 RUB.

Small trade enterprises, such as neighbourhood stores, stalls with vegetables and fruit, market dealers etc., do not fall within the scope of the law, because the installation and maintenance of card readers is connected for them with substantial costs. 

At the same time the experts note, that trade networks just install relevant equipment, and the control of acquiring (the range of services associated with the acceptance of bank cards for payment in a sales outlet) is performed directly by banks. Shopping facility must not be responsible for problems encountered by the acquiring, though similar cases are not prescribed in the law.

Certainly, the innovations are of benefit first of all to banks, which earn commission from each non-cash settlement (according to different estimations, the amount of such commission reaches 1,5% from the sum of transaction). Moreover, the law must stimulate development of the acquiring and turnover of non-cash payments in Russia, that in its turn is of benefit to consumers, and also makes the settlement more clear and transparent.