A U.K.-based coffee chain has given locations the option to refuse service to minors under the age of 16. Specifically, Costa Coffee employees are now able to question customers and ask for ID if they suspect someone is underage.
A Costa spokesperson stated to the Manchester Evening News, “We do not encourage the sale of caffeine to children under 16 and it is at store discretion to question a customer’s age if they have any concerns.”
The new policy was instated at the end of the summer, but flew under the radar until late September when a father enlightened the Daily Post about his 12-year-old daughter who was refused an iced coffee. “I had never heard of Costa doing this before,” the girl’s father told the Post. “This is as an occasional treat rather than regular coffee drinking and a lot of Costa drinks do seem to be aimed at younger people.”
He continued, “They should be clear with their policy, they either serve under 16s or not, rather than just being at the discretion of particular places.”
The father also said that if Costa is so concerned about the health of minors, they should also stop selling sugary cakes and high-calorie beverages in an effort to help the U.K.’s obesity issue.
According to the Post, as of September, most Costa locations continue to serve customers under the age of 16. Furthermore, the Costa spokesperson denied the marketing to underage customers via the Manchester Evening News.
The Mayo Clinic reports that caffeine can affect sleep and raise blood pressure in younger children. However, the effects of caffeine on kids are still being explored.
Is it up to the coffee chains themselves to limit kids’ caffeine consumption? Or is this a parental issue? This debate has seemingly just gotten started.
