"Legal tender" only means it must be accepted to settle a debt.

Walking out of the store with groceries generates a debt, no?

I believe that's more likely to generate a criminal charge

Then how about paying after ordering and eating a meal?

	▲	pixl97 an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Depends. If there was a posted notice that no cash is accepted it's unlikely you'll get a criminal charge, but you can get civilly sued. Most places will just accept the cash then put up a picture saying "If this asshole shows up again, trespass him"