British coffeehouse chain Costa Coffee has introduced a new policy which gives front-of-house staff the power to refuse service to people under 16 years old.
Costa Coffee has not banned coffee sales to people under 16 completely, and instead leaves the choice up to the individual store.
“We do not encourage the sale of caffeine to children under 16, and it is at the store’s discretion to question a customer’s age if they have any concerns,” explained Costa Coffee to the Manchester Evening News.
The rule caught attention when a 12-year-old girl was refused service when buying an iced-coffee in Wales.
While the NHS advises that coffee and caffeinated drinks are unsuitable for young children, there is no specific rule around in the UK around it.
