That’s Not Very Cash Money Of You

It’s been a few years since the Bank of England introduced its first polymer £5 notes. While I’m using one to pay for some secondhand books, the cashier notices something.

Cashier: “I’m sorry, I can’t accept this note.”

Me: “Why not?”

Cashier: “It’s torn. See?”

He shows me a tear that almost bisects the note where it’s been folded.

Me: “Oh, yeah. Didn’t realise polymer notes could tear like that. I don’t see why you can’t take it, though. As long as both halves have the serial number, there shouldn’t be any problem paying it into a bank.”

Cashier: “I’m sorry, I can’t accept this. It wouldn’t be legal.”

I seriously doubted this, but since it was such a small amount, I didn’t press the issue and paid by card instead. Ten minutes later, I presented the torn note in a supermarket and the cashier accepted it without a murmur.