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AIBU?

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Original poster

Costa won't sell coffee/caffeine to under 18s?

97 replies

rcyclable · 27/04/2023 18:19

Dd16 tried to buy a latte from Costa earlier. Apparently the man serving asked how old she was as he's not allowed to sell caffeine to under 18s. She got the coffee as he said 'just this once but he wouldn't be able to sell it in future.

I asked if he was joking and apparently not. Is there any truth in this? I know there are restrictions on energy drinks, but never heard of anything like this.

OP posts:
Tulipvase · 27/04/2023 18:21

Well ‘just this once’ could get him into trouble if it really is law!

Ive not heard this tbh but I don’t often go into coffee shops.

Bapbap · 27/04/2023 18:22

Dd says its true.

nomoredriving · 27/04/2023 18:22

It's discretionary, which is a bullshit rule!

WheelsUp · 27/04/2023 18:25

My local Costa sell coffee to the local Sixth Formers who are mainly under 18s. (I know they are in Sixth Form because they are wearing their school lanyard )

Sudeko · 27/04/2023 18:25

Coffee, I understand. However, my DC have been having green tea for years and it is a superfood so I would consider that most unreasonable.

Topseyt123 · 27/04/2023 18:26

First I've heard of that. I used to send my teenage daughters (often under 16) up to the counter by themselves in Costa with money for their food and drink. They often bought coffee, and not decaffeinated either. It was never questioned.

I bet they wouldn't question them buying a hot chocolate and that also contains a fair dose of caffeine.

onepieceoflollipop · 27/04/2023 18:26

It’s their company policy but discretionary - all a bit odd.
my interpretation of the linked article is that they started it when some shops started to restrict the sale of energy drinks to under 16s

i thought that was a law(energy drinks) but on checking just now, it’s not!

onepieceoflollipop · 27/04/2023 18:27

If it’s a big town, most of them will just wander along to Starbucks or the next convenient coffee shop…

lionsleepstonight · 27/04/2023 18:28

I'd complain. The barista got it wrong, it's discretionary under 16 and your DD was 16 so entitled to a coffee every time, not just this once. Nob.

Topseyt123 · 27/04/2023 18:29

Topseyt123 · 27/04/2023 18:26

First I've heard of that. I used to send my teenage daughters (often under 16) up to the counter by themselves in Costa with money for their food and drink. They often bought coffee, and not decaffeinated either. It was never questioned.

I bet they wouldn't question them buying a hot chocolate and that also contains a fair dose of caffeine.

I meant under 18.

I would also add that DD3 worked in our local Costa when she was in sixth form. She got the odd free coffee provided when she was on her break.

Darhon · 27/04/2023 18:32

Would much rather my under 18s drank coffee than those hideous over sweet energy drinks

AtChoService · 27/04/2023 18:34

I'm not surprised. Good on them. I don't know what children need coffee for in the first place.

Semtee · 27/04/2023 18:37

AtChoService · 27/04/2023 18:34

I'm not surprised. Good on them. I don't know what children need coffee for in the first place.

From that POV, does any adult really need coffee?

AtChoService · 27/04/2023 18:38

Semtee · 27/04/2023 18:37

From that POV, does any adult really need coffee?

Show quote history

They won't if they don't start with it.

Prescottdanni123 · 27/04/2023 18:41

It is not up to a coffee barrista whether or not a sixteen year old can have coffee. Whatever their opinions on kids and caffeine, it is not of their business

Biscuitsneeded · 27/04/2023 18:46

@AtChoService But coffee doesn't do you any harm unless you drink too much of it. In fact, black coffee is positively beneficial. It can help to reduce the effects of fatty liver disease, for example. It's hardly Class A narcotics!
My son was once told he couldn't have a coffee when he was about 15 in a Costa. I think it's a discretionary policy and it probably helps them avoid vast crowds of schoolkids gathering and putting off other customers, as much as anything. My DC have been having a coffee in the morning like their parents since early teens, and I see no harm in that as long as they stick to one or two a day. My morning cup of proper black coffee is a pleasure that makes getting up bearable! I don't see why you would think it is such a scourge?

CarrotCake01 · 27/04/2023 18:46

I think that rule seems fair enough but only if it's actually consistent and clearly explained.

Definitely doesn't seem like a genuine policy if the server was so quick to drop it. Imagine if a Tesco worker just let alcohol sales through to underage customers "just this once"!

CanofCant · 27/04/2023 18:49

Our local Costa is packed with teenagers around the 15/16/17 mark drinking iced coffee in the summer.

My first thought was that he's a creep trying it on but might just be a cynic.

NewNovember · 27/04/2023 18:59

lionsleepstonight · 27/04/2023 18:28

I'd complain. The barista got it wrong, it's discretionary under 16 and your DD was 16 so entitled to a coffee every time, not just this once. Nob.

Why is he a non fur caring about her health. Under 18's shoukd not be consuming caffeine unless the small amounts in chocolate.

Readeatcake · 27/04/2023 19:00

There was a costa in my college and that was less than 10 years ago. I belive its still in there serving coffee to the students and teachers.

Original poster
rcyclable · 27/04/2023 19:02

AtChoService · 27/04/2023 18:34

I'm not surprised. Good on them. I don't know what children need coffee for in the first place.

It was for me! She was on her way home and passing. She prefers those iced drinks from places like Costa.

Though I think it's fine for under 18s to drink coffee, personally.

OP posts:
nomoredriving · 27/04/2023 19:06

@NewNovember oh give over! It's caffeine not crack cocaine!!

Original poster
rcyclable · 27/04/2023 19:08

Thanks everyone for the information. I had no idea. I might send a query to the branch and find out why he said that.

My niece says that they have Costa on site at her college. I guess they must sell some coffee to their under 18s. It might just be a vending machine though, but I'd have to check.

OP posts:
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