I HEARD a lawyer answering listeners' questions on radio. One asked if a business could refuse to take high denomination notes.

I've often thought that when I've spotted signs in shops stating £20 notes will not be taken.

I can understand why though. I once witnessed an awful con in a hospice shop which was not discovered until after the low life left.

A friendly chap bought the cheapest shirt he could possibly find at 50p, then apologised for only having a £20 note.

The volunteer on the till gave him £19.50 in change and off he went happy with a free shirt and loads of beer money.

The duped volunteer was devastated that the note was an obvious counterfeit when looked at closely.

Fortunately most shops now have pens and ultra violet scanners that detect fake notes now so there is no reason not to accept higher denominatiopn notes. Anyway they're legal tender and must be accepted -- unless they are suspect of course.