The makers of Van Leeuwen ice cream agreed Thursday to pay $33,500 in fines for refusing to accept cash in New York City.

The city received more than 90 complaints that Van Leeuwen was violating New York's cashless ban law passed in November 2020.

Van Leeuwen representatives failed to pay thousands of dollars of fines and did not appear in a majority of the administrative hearings, the settlement agreement stated.

The settlement "sends a clear message that those who repeatedly violate this law will be held accountable," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. "Cash is king, which is why the Cashless Ban Law was passed to protect the unbanked and underbanked in our city."

Van Leeuwen also agreed to accept cash and to install reverse ATMs in their 19 New York City locations, which exchange cash for a debit card. As part of the cashless ban law, businesses cannot refuse cash payments until these ATMs are installed. The artisanal ice cream store will also remove any signage indicating that the stores refuse to accept cash.

Van Leeuwen began its first operations in a truck but opened its first brick-and-mortar building in New York in 2010. Today, Van Leeuwen stores operate in seven states while the company's products are also available in retail grocers and online.

The brand has gained popularity for its "artisanal" ingredients including handpicked pistachios from Sicily, flavors such as honeycomb and earl grey tea and vegan ice cream products.

New york city Settlement