The Syndicate of Supermarket Owners in Lebanon issued a statement saying: "In light of the decision of the Minister of Finance No. 447 dated January 16, 2023, which requires the payment of half of the customs duties on imported goods in cash in Lebanese pounds, the syndicate announces that it will regrettably have to stop accepting banking cards if this decision is implemented."
The syndicate clarified that "this decision will prevent supermarket owners from using the funds received through banking cards to pay the duties and what is required from suppliers, meaning that this money will remain held in banks without any ability to use it."
It stated, "On this basis, the supermarket syndicate finds itself compelled to make this decision to stop accepting payments with banking cards in Lebanese pounds."
While apologizing to citizens, the Syndicate of Supermarkets called on the officials to "revoke this decision as soon as possible to stop the harm to institutions and citizens alike."
