Why I don't take cash

I don't take cash at the door - but why not?

Someone arrived at one of my classes recently, but the class was fully booked (with people on the electronic waiting list) and they got quite cross when I explained that I don't take cash at the door. "That's illegal!" they said.

Oh dear. I really hate disappointing people who want to dance!

First of all - is it illegal to not take cash? No, is the short answer. In the UK, businesses can make this sort of decision based on what's right for their business. They can choose to take cash only, or not to take cash at all.

So, why don't I take cash?

1. Most importantly, I limit the number of places available for your safety and comfort. I don't always get it right - especially in a new venue - but I aim for a maximum ticket number that allows you to move comfortably and to not feel too crowded. I started doing this when we reopened after Covid - I remember having to work out the "cubic feet of air, per person"; difficult when the hall is tall! Initially we had only 8 dancers per class (I had to put the prices up) and then, as I was able to slowly relax the restriction, I was able to bring the price down to where it is now. I haven't raised my price for years, by the way. Other clubs are slowly overtaking me! By the way - I know, line dancing is really popular and I could be making a fortune if I just let people in - but I want you to be comfortable, so places are limited, and I can only do that by pre-selling places. And that's the main reason why I ask you to book in advance - to prevent a journey to the hall to then be turned away if it's already full by the time you get to me.

2. Reason no 2 is also safety related. Booking in advance means that the website generates a list of dancers on my phone. If ever there's a fire, I can use that guest list to check that everyone is out of the building - my ten years with the Fire Service mean's I'm very safety-aware. If anyone's not accounted for, the Fire crew would send a team in to search for you. So having an accurate guest list is really important.

3. Thirdly - taking cash creates an admin task - I would have to count the cash and journey to the bank to deposit it. I used to do this every Friday, but my bank is no longer there! It's also tricky for my accountant to see that I'm accounting for the receipts (and paying tax) accurately. So keeping it all online leaves an audit trail that shows my accountant that I'm being honest.

Now, I know that pre-booking tickets creates an admin task in itself - e.g. responding to those who ask me to reschedule their bookings, or want to check if they have booked, and so on. But I still think it's safer doing it this way.

I realise not everyone has a desktop PC, but I am told that the Wix Spaces app is quite easy to use, on your phone, once you've got to grips with it. If you need a code to find Laughter in Line on the app, that code is H83ll1 .

And if all this has reminded you that you want to book in - here's your link: www.laughterinline.org/book-online

Thank you for booking! I appreciate every single one!