The New Zealand Chambers of Commerce have warned that the Government’s proposed ban on retail payment surcharges risks hitting small businesses with higher costs.

Simon Bridges, CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, acknowledged that the Government was trying to protect consumers from additional fees - but voiced concerns about what this ban could do for smaller operators.

He says the ban isn't a cost-free exercise - and someone will have to pay the merchant fees. 

"It's either going to be through price hikes that consumers may not appreciate or understand - or it's going to be the poor old SME in areas like retail, hospo, tourism that are going to be having to find a way to pay for it."

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