Costa Coffee has come under fire for charging higher prices at its hospital branches compared to high street stores, with critics branding the practice a 'sickness tax'. Research by The Sun found price differences of up to 20p on hot and cold drinks, with a small latte or cappuccino costing £3.80 at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, versus £3.60 at a nearby high street store.
Similar disparities were reported at hospitals in Sheffield, London, and Chichester, prompting outrage from consumer groups. Martyn James, an independent consumer champion, described the pricing as 'reprehensible', especially when customers are experiencing distressing times. Dennis Reed of Silver Voices added that Costa Coffee 'should be ashamed of itself for putting a tax on illness and injury'.
A Costa Coffee spokesperson defended the pricing, stating that the company works with various partners who set their own prices based on operating costs. The spokesperson said: 'Each partner establishes their own pricing, which can result in some Costa Coffee items being priced differently due to the operating costs of those locations.' They added that pricing is regularly reviewed to remain competitive.
The controversy comes as Pret A Manger reversed plans to double its £5 monthly subscription for up to five coffees a day, keeping the fee unchanged. Pret had previously announced an increase to £10 from March 31, but scrapped the change after customer backlash. The chain also removed a 20% food discount for subscribers, citing discomfort with dual pricing.
