Allowing customers to bring coffee cups from home may cause them to complain that a drink tastes off, newsagents have warned.
The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association is concerned that a proposed “latte levy” may be unworkable and have an impact on the “religious” experience of take-away coffee.
Denis Naughten, the environment minister, is considering a 15c charge on the price of a tea or coffee served in a disposable cup to reduce their use.
Vincent Jennings, head of the CSNA, said the levy had a number of issues, including implementation as well as health, safety, and product liability. “A cup brought from home may well have residual elements of previous uses, and it does not have the sanitary guarantee,” he said. “We are then put into a difficult position with our customer.
Mr Jennings told the Oireachtas committee on climate change yesterday that machines in most stores were designed to fill a specific cup, and there could be a “scalding” issue.
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The CSNA represents 1,300 shopkeepers, and Mr Jennings said they understood the need for change. He said a levy similar to the 22c plastic bag tax would be more appropriate. “I am not looking for reasons to oppose the levy, but takeaway coffee is now a religious experience and our members do not want to offer a substandard product.”