A venue has scrapped its cashless policy which resulted in “backlash” from some customers who then avoided the business.

The Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs stopped accepting coins and notes on January 30, citing speed and ease for staff as the reason.

However, after “careful consideration” the Shepherd Neame-owned hotel and restaurant has made a u-turn on the policy.

General manager Marc Duvauchelle said: “While the majority of our transactions at the hotel are by card, we are aware that our decision to introduce a cashless policy at the start of the year has caused inconvenience to a number of customers.

“It is important to us to offer the best customer experience possible, so following a review of our policy we have taken the decision to re-introduce cash transactions with immediate effect.”

Announcing the decision on Facebook, bosses stated simply: “After thoughtful consideration, we are welcoming cash payments again.”

Some customers praised the decision, with one saying: “Good, that’s a wise move.”

However others slammed the business in Albion Street as being “too late” with one local writing: “No thanks, I’m good.

“I won’t be ditching the places that took my cash when you didn’t want it.”

Kent county councillor Barry Lewis welcomed the decision, proclaiming: “Cash is king.”

Cllr Lewis added: “I know that people stopped using the hotel because of their bad initial decision to go cashless.

“There was a backlash.

“Not everybody wants to use a third party when they are handing over their money.

“I think it’s a fantastic decision. As I am of a certain age, I still believe cash is king.”