Two major coffee chains with locations here in North Bay have stopped serving beverages in reusable cups brought by customers amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Starbucks and Tim Horton's say they are temporarily halting the environmentally friendly measure, but will continue to honour associated discounts.
"First and foremost, the health and well-being of our partners and customers remains top of mind and our highest priority, and we will continue to act thoughtfully and courageously despite the disruption and uncertainty COVID-19 brings to our daily lives," wrote Rossann Williams, Starbucks executive vice-president and president of U.S. company-operated business and Canada, in an open letter published on the company's website Wednesday.
The global spread of coronavirus caused global stock markets to fall, created worries in the Canadian tourism industry, and prompted other corporate concerns and changes.
The letter announced a slew of "precautionary steps" the company is taking in response to the outbreak.
That includes pausing personal cup use and serving drinks in in-store mugs. The company will continue to honour a 10-cent discount for customers who bring their cup or ask for a company mug to use in store.
Tim Horton's has followed suit. The company says it won’t accept reusable cups in its restaurants for now amid worries about the novel coronavirus that has seen nearly 100,000 cases around the world so far.
The coffee brand has close to 4,000 restaurants across Canada. In a statement Friday,
Tim Hortons stated it is taking the “temporary approach” after listening to customer and franchise owner feedback.
With Files from Canadian Press
