Sindh govt orders action against restaurants refusing to accept debit, credit card payments

The Sindh government has decided to crack down on restaurants and other establishments refusing to accept debit and credit card payments.

Officials said the government has decided to take strict action against restaurants, shopping malls, coffee shops and biryani centres that refuse to accept payments via debit and credit cards from citizens.

In this regard, the Sindh Consumer Protection Authority under the Bureau of Supply Prices has taken significant action by issuing notices to prominent Clifton restaurants. These establishments have been served strict notices for violating the Sindh Consumer Protection Act 2014, and formal legal proceedings have been initiated against them.

Director General Zahid Hussain Shar, in his statement, made it clear that restaurants across the province, including Karachi, which fail to provide customers with the option to pay via debit or credit cards will face strict legal action.

He further stated that the government has taken notice of the issue under Section 23(4) of the authority based on public complaints. DG Shar said appropriate legal action will be taken against this serious violation, and an inquiry has been launched to provide relief to consumers. Assistant Director Mir Shahnawaz has issued strict directives to the businesses to immediately cease this violation.

Restaurant owners have been instructed to personally appear or send their authorized representatives to the authority’s office to respond to the notice. It has been made clear that failure to comply will result in strict legal action under the relevant laws.

Shar conveyed a clear message that it is the responsibility of businesses to provide customers with multiple payment options, and no negligence in this regard will be tolerated. He emphasized that consumer rights will be safeguarded at all costs.