M&S refuses to hand over US dollars to Cuba tourists

TOURISTS heading to Cuba are being refused American dollars by Marks & Spencer because of US trade sanctions – even though Britain has no such restrictions in force.

Writer Colin Randall tried to exchange £175 for US currency at his local M&S branch on Friday but was turned down when he revealed he was visiting the communist island.

Mr Randall, 69, said: ‘A supervisor said, “It is US policy.” I said you’re a British company, I am British, I’m going to Cuba, which is an independent country – what are you doing imposing Donald Trump’s desires on me?” ’

Mr Randall and his wife Joelle, from Ealing, West London, have visited Cuba several times and found US dollars were warmly welcomed around the country.

America has imposed trade sanctions on Cuba since 1960.

Last night M&S Bank said: ‘To prevent the violation of US sanctions on Cuba, many UK travel money providers do not supply US dollars to customers visiting Cuba.’