Coffee Bean Tea & Leaf Class Action Lawsuit: Discriminatory Surcharge for Non-Dairy Milk Substitutions
Are you a coffee lover who enjoys a good cup of joe at your favorite coffee shop? Well, you might want to pay attention to a recent class action lawsuit filed against The Coffee Bean Tea & Leaf. A group of consumers has taken legal action against the popular coffee chain, claiming that they are discriminating against customers with milk allergies or lactose intolerance by charging an extra fee for substituting milk with a non-dairy alternative.
The lawsuit alleges that The Coffee Bean Tea & Leaf is imposing an unlawful surcharge of at least 80 cents for customers who request non-dairy milk instead of regular milk in their drinks. The group argues that there is no valid reason for this surcharge, as the cost of non-dairy alternatives is not significantly different from regular milk.
What’s even more surprising is that the lawsuit claims that The Coffee Bean Tea & Leaf is willing to make other modifications to drinks, such as removing caffeine or sugar, at no additional cost. This raises questions about why they are singling out customers who require non-dairy alternatives and charging them extra.
If you have ever been charged extra for substituting non-dairy milk at The Coffee Bean Tea & Leaf, you may be eligible to join the class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for intentional discrimination, unjust enrichment, and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.
This lawsuit is not an isolated case, as similar legal actions have been taken against other coffee chains like Starbucks for imposing surcharges on non-dairy milk substitutions. It’s essential to be aware of your rights as a consumer and to speak up if you feel you have been unfairly charged for a simple request like a milk substitution.
As a coffee lover, you may want to consider supporting small, local coffee producers like Milagrosa Single Estate, who focus on quality and sustainability in their production. By choosing to buy from small batch, premium specialty coffee producers, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while supporting ethical and responsible practices in the coffee industry.
Stay informed about class action lawsuits and settlements, and remember that your voice as a consumer matters. Let us know in the comments if you have experienced similar issues with coffee chains and share your thoughts on this important topic.
