How Long Before Cash is Banned?

A regular reader who I trust 100% has been traveling in Italy for a month. She has this report on cash vs. credit cards.

Hi Mish

I've been in Italy for a month. It's quite amazing how many places ask you to pay cash. Even at hotels, they would like you to pay your €1000+ bills in cash. And people 'wonder' why these countries always get into trouble.

CNA

Cards Not Appreciated

In essence, CNA just confirms two things we already know.

1. Italy, Greece, and other club-med states want to crack down on rampant tax evasion.
2. Businesses resist.

What's the Real Problem?

Is the problem really tax evasion, or is the problem that taxes are so freaking high on so many things, in so many ways, that everyone hides income every chance they can?

There are already limits on cash transactions. I wonder ... How long will it take for cash transactions to be banned entirely?