Starbucks, the popular coffee chain, is currently facing a legal battle and being accused of discrimination against certain customers. Three customers are suing the coffee giant in a class-action lawsuit, alleging discrimination against individuals with lactose intolerance and milk allergies. Find all the details below.
Starbucks sued for discrimination against customers with dairy intolerances
There are many reasons to choose plant-based milk over dairy milk, from health benefits to simple flavor preferences. However, many people rely on dairy-free milk alternatives because they are allergic to milk or intolerant of lactose. The recent class-action lawsuit against Starbucks, filed in the district court in eastern California, seeks $5 million in damages, claiming that Starbucks imposes additional charges ranging from 50 to 80 cents for non-dairy milk substitutes—a practice the plaintiffs consider discriminatory.
The plaintiffs, who have been making purchases at Starbucks stores in California since 2018, contend that the extra charges for non-dairy milk are discriminatory. According to the lawsuit, the surcharges levied by Starbucks exploit individuals with lactose intolerance and milk allergies and use their dietary needs for profit, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, California Unruh Civil Rights Act, and constituting common law Unjust Enrichment.
This legal action against Starbucks echoes a similar lawsuit faced by Dunkin earlier this year, with both cases being represented by the same legal firm, Keith Gibson Law. It's also not the first time Starbucks has faced scrutiny over its pricing practices regarding non-dairy milk; In 2020, the company was subject to a lawsuit by Peta for charging extra for plant-based milk alternatives.
In response to the allegations, a Starbucks spokesperson told Quartz, "We cannot comment on pending litigation." However, the spokesperson did highlight that in U.S. Starbucks stores, customers can add up to four ounces of non-dairy milk to beverages at no additional cost.
All in all, this highlights the issue of surcharges for non-dairy milk, whcih has sparked debates regarding accessibility and inclusivity in the food and beverage industry. As more consumers opt for plant-based alternatives due to health concerns or ethical considerations, the practice of charging extra for these options has come under scrutiny. The outcome of the lawsuit against Starbucks will likely have implications for how businesses accommodate customers with dietary restrictions and disabilities.
