A CUSTOMER has fumed at staff of a Winchester pub after being told its bar did not accept cash.

The enraged TikTok user uploaded a video of herself confronting the assistant manager at the Old Vine in Great Minster Street.

She waved a £20 note at the young woman as she spouting claims about her false rights to "personally sue" the business up to £9,000 for refusing "legal tender".

The assistant manager smiled as she replied that the Old Vine advertises the fact it doesn't accept cash on the doors, inside the menu and online.

In response, the TikTokker said: "You're not allowed to operate. It's irrelevant. You cannot refuse legal tender."

The video was then reshared on social media platform X where it gathered 4.3m views and more than 2.5k comments.

This post sparked further discussion with some users labelling the move to go cashless "disgraceful" with others bringing government control into the debate.

One user said: "Idiots in the comment section saying 'she is just doing her job' don't realise that's how tyranny takes control and stays in power."

Someone else said it was "discrimination against people who cannot get a debit card or credit card or wish not to".

"Like giving the finger to the poor or a homeless person just wanting a drink," they added.

One user commented: "It's not illegal to refuse cash and I think that haranguing staff like this and then posting it online is a sure way to alienate people."

Read more: ​Vote for your favourite boozer in our Pub of the Year 2024 competition

Another person coming to the Old Vine's defence labelled the camera woman's behaviour "pathetic".

They said: "What is the point of hassling someone working in a bar who has probably had no part in the decision to make the pub cashless? It's not her fault."

Hampshire Chronicle: The Old Vine in Winchester does not accept cash.The Old Vine in Winchester does not accept cash. (Image: Newsquest)

Legal tender is a legal term which is only applicable in the context of debt repayment.

All businesses in the UK have the right to chose method of payment, and/or refuse cash.

The Bank of England states: "Legal tender has a narrow technical meaning which has no use in everyday life. It means that if you offer to fully pay off a debt to someone in legal tender, they can’t sue you for failing to repay."

When approached by the Chronicle, the manager of the Old Vine said he would not be making any comments.

Additional reporting: Jessica Lawler.