The Bristol Pound was introduced in Bristol, England, in 2012 to encourage spending with independent local businesses.
The currency was launched by Bristol Pound Community Interest Company in partnership with Bristol Credit Union. It existed in paper and electronic forms, and participating businesses could accept it for goods and services. The project aimed to keep more spending circulating within the Bristol area rather than leaving immediately through national chains or distant suppliers.
The Bristol Pound belonged to a wider revival of local currencies in the United Kingdom. It is often confused with the Totnes Pound and Brixton Pound, which were separate currencies created for different communities. Local currencies typically depend on participating businesses and public interest rather than replacing a country’s official money.
Bristol’s mayor famously accepted part of his salary in Bristol Pounds, drawing attention to the project. The currency was discontinued in 202 Bristol? Actually, the Bristol Pound ceased operation in 2023, after more than a decade of local use.