Bristol Pound launched to keep trade in the city
Baku, September 19 (AZERTAC). It is a direct assault on global trade. The city of Bristol has launched its own currency, which cannot be used in Bath, never mind Berlin or Bombay.
More than 350 firms in the city have signed up, making it the UK`s largest alternative to sterling.
Unlike previous schemes which have relied on paper, the Bristol Pound can be used online, even by mobile phone.
Bristol has a proud history of independent thinking and, like many cities, there are plenty of shops who claim to use local suppliers. But how do you know? Now if a cafe accepts your payment in Bristol Pound, you know they are either going to buy local or pay the penalty.
There are plenty of cafes, bookstores and shops that sell to the public in the scheme. But organisers have also signed up suppliers, like the natural food wholesaler Essential.
Like many schemes, the Stroud Pound is run by volunteers and it seems enthusiasm is waning.
Bernard Jerman is one of the central people involved, and he says alternative currencies just need people to get behind them.
Alternative currencies have certainly done well abroad. A German currency called the Chiemgauer has been operating in Bavaria since 2003. Last year, 550,000 Chiemgauer were in circulation, with a turnover of 6.2 million. With a 1:1 exchange rate with the Euro, that`s serious business.
Even at their most idealistic, the Bristol Pound organisers don`t expect to rival sterling. But they point out that neither the Germans nor the Americans have online banking or mobile phone payments.
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