Cashiers have setback after public protest (7)

I believe the answer is:

demotes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cashiers' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'setback after public protest' is the wordplay.
'setback' becomes 'tes' (I've seen this in other clues).
'after' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'public protest' becomes 'demo' (I've seen this before).
'tes' after 'demo' is 'DEMOTES'.

'have' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for demotes that I've seen is " Lowers in rank".)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.