Detroit Cheer currency (script)

With the goal of supporting a local small economy, a trio of Detroit business owners -- John Linardos from Motor City Brewing Works, Tim Tharp from Foran's Grand Trunk Pub and Jerry Belanger from Park Bar -- have put up their own cash to back a new local currency, or scrip, called Detroit Cheers.

Under US law, small communities can produce their own currency so long as it does not include coins and does not resemble federally-issued money. The currencies are not a tax dodge as the income to participating businesses is liable to tax. In Traverse City, Michigan, more than 100 businesses accept ...