BETHESDA, MD, August 11, 2026 – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate’s passage of the bipartisan Common Cents Act (S. 1525) on August 7:
“Senate passage of the Common Cents Act brings Main Street bars, taverns and package liquor stores one step closer to having the clarity they need to manage cash transactions after the decision to end production of the penny. ABL applauds the Senate for advancing this bipartisan legislation and recognizing the real challenges facing retailers and their customers.
“For independent bars, taverns and package liquor stores, the ability to accept cash remains an important part of serving customers. A uniform federal framework for rounding cash transactions will give retailers clear rules to follow and help them avoid a patchwork of different requirements.
“ABL has been proud to work alongside other Main Street business organizations in support of the Common Cents Act. With bipartisan action now taken in both chambers, we encourage the House to act promptly on the Senate-passed legislation so this practical solution can become law.
“ABL thanks Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for their bipartisan leadership on the Common Cents Act, as well as those who worked to advance the legislation by unanimous consent.”
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