Man Fined For ‘Paying In Pennies’

James Andrews, 13:03, Wednesday 8 June 2011

When Jason West turned up in person to pay a bill he disputed, he ended up being landed with a fine. Why? Because he tried to pay it with 2,500 pennies.

West said he paid the charge - to Basin Clinic, Utah, USA - months ago, but failed to get the current bill revoked. He then calmly asked the teller: "Do you take cash?"

When told they did, West replied: "Lucky for me I happen to have it on me." He then poured 2,500 pennies on the counter. "I'm willing to wait if you want to count them so you can make sure you get every penny," he added.

But while he told local paper The Vernal Express that all this was done in a calm manner, and that all that resulted from it was giggles from other customers waiting, the clinic disagreed and called the police.

West ended up being cited for "disorderly conduct" and now faces a $140 fine or 14,000 pennies.

"The pennies were strewn about the counter and the floor," said the police. The clinic maintains it would have taken the money, but does "not tolerate pennies or any other objects being thrown at our employees", according to a statement.

West says he didn't throw anything, they spilled: "That's just the nature of pennies," he told the Vernal Express. "They're round."

Can you pay in pennies then?

In the US any amount in coins counts as legal tender but there is no law that forces shops and other retailers to accept them. That means businesses can ask for payment in any denomination they want.

http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/Man-fined-paying-pennies-yahoofinanceuk-2692731971.html