Italian Restaurant Chain Tuscolo to Go Cashless in April – Hygiene & Transparency Reasons

March 22, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

The Italian restaurant chain Tuscolo will no longer accept cash payments, beginning in April. The decision, announced by Tuscolo’s managing director Esposito Pietro, cites hygiene concerns and a desire for increased security and control, according to reports in the German press.

Tuscolo operates locations in Bonn, Siegburg, Cologne, and Rheinbach. Pietro explained to the “Westfälischer Anzeiger” that digital payments are easier to monitor and that he has no concerns about potential surveillance associated with card transactions. “Why should I have a problem with that? We have nothing to hide,” he said.

The transition to a cashless system will be phased in over a two-month period, with the company anticipating full implementation by June. Currently, approximately 80 percent of Tuscolo’s customers already pay by card, Pietro noted in an interview with wa.de. The restaurant chain has introduced “Notportemonnaies” – temporary digital wallets – to assist customers during the transition.

The move has sparked debate online. A post on Reddit featuring a notice from a Tuscolo location elicited mixed reactions, with some users praising the decision as a progressive step, while others criticized the reduction in payment options. One Reddit user reported a temporary malfunction with the card reader during a recent visit, resulting in a delay in service.

The decision by Tuscolo reflects a broader discussion in Germany regarding the role of cash. While some Germans strongly prefer cash transactions, others are increasingly comfortable with digital payment methods. Concerns about potential surveillance are present, but not universal.

Despite recurring false reports about a complete ban on cash, the European Central Bank (ECB) and other institutions are actively working to safeguard the employ of physical currency within the European Union. However, Bundesbank chief Nagel has cautioned that access to cash may become more difficult, particularly in rural areas.