From: Alasdair 
Newsgroups: uk.finance uk.legal
Subject: Re: Petrol Station rip off
Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2007 20:07:24 +0100

On Sun, 22 Apr 2007 18:36:26 +0100, "Aaron B"  wrote:

>No it isn't.
>There is no obligation on a shop to accept cards at all.
>An offer of payment is an 'invitation to treat'.  If they don't accept it, 
>there is no sale.
>If you make off with the goods it will be theft. 

If the merchant advertised that it accepts cards, you are quite
justified in tendering one in payment.  If the magnetic strip on the
card doesn't work, you can hardly be convicted of theft as there is no
dishonesty on your part. You tendered payment in  a method approved by
the merchant by his signage and it is most unfortunate that you don't
have the necessary cash in your pocket.

I don't think the police would be interested in getting involved as it
is a civil matter.  On the other hand, if you made a habit of doing
this..."

-- 
Alasdair.