Despite the issuance of an order by the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) in October of 2006, which stipulated the extent to which small-value coins were to be accepted, many businesses are still not complying.

The coins include the 10-cent and the 25-cent pieces.

However, Dorothy Campbell, communications specialist at the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), told The Gleaner yesterday that there have been considerable improvements since the issue was last raised in 2006.

"The commission was bombarded with calls from consumers then (in 2006), but that's not so now," Campbell said.

Turned away

But as recently as last Friday, The Gleaner witnessed a customer being turned away from a Corporate Area gas station when he tried to purchase $15 worth of sweets. The customer used a $10 coin as well as four $1 coins and four 25-cent coins.

Although there is not much that can be done in terms of action against offenders, the CAC can order that the businesses accept the coins.

In that case, a man at the Portmore toll booth took a bag of $1 coins and 25-cent coins to pay his toll fee.

If you have a concern regarding the reluctance of business operators to accept coins, please contact the Consumer Affairs Commission at telephone: 926-1650 or 1-888-991-4470.