The Latte Levy in Ireland:
If you find yourself reaching for a takeaway latte or cappuccino every morning, you’re not alone. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact that your daily caffeine fix has on the environment? That’s where the latte levy comes in. Introduced in Ireland in 2021, the levy is a small charge added by cafes to encourage customers to bring reusable cups and reduce waste. In this blog post, we’ll dive
into everything you need to know about the latte levy in Ireland and how it’s impacting cafes across the country.
What You Need to Know about cafes
The latte levy will be introduced in Ireland in 2021 as part of the government’s efforts to reduce waste and encourage sustainable living. Cafes that serve hot drinks will add a 25 cent charge to any takeaway cups that aren’t reusable. This will apply to cups made from non-compostable materials, such as plastic or non-recyclable paper.
While the levy may be a new concept for many people, it’s not the first time that Ireland has taken steps to encourage sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry. In 2018, the government introduced a similar levy on plastic bags, which resulted in a 90% reduction in usage. The hope is that the latte levy will have a similar impact, reducing the estimated 200 million non-recyclable takeaway cups that are thrown away each year in Ireland.
Trialing this latte levy
Already some tourist hotspots like Killarney have banned single use coffee cups. The introduction of the latte levy has caused controversy among cafe owners and customers alike. Some people argue that the charge is too small to make a difference, while others feel that it’s an unnecessary burden on small businesses. However, many cafes have embraced the levy as an opportunity to promote sustainable practices and encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups.
Reusable coffee cups
To encourage customers to switch to reusable cups, many cafes have started offering discounts or rewards for those who bring their own cups. Some cafes have even stopped offering takeaway cups altogether and only serve drinks in reusable cups. This has been a positive step towards reducing waste and creating a more sustainable cafe culture in Ireland.
It’s clear that the latte levy has sparked conversation and debate among cafe owners and customers in Ireland. While it may be a small charge, it’s an important step towards reducing waste and encouraging sustainable practices in the food and beverage industry. With more and more cafes embracing the charge and promoting reusable cups, it’s hopeful that the impact of the latte levy will continue to grow and inspire positive change. So next time you reach for that morning latte, consider bringing your own reusable cup and doing your part to help the environment.
Sources:
https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2023/0723/1310785-latte-levy-disposable-coffee-cups/
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/public-given-chance-to-weigh-in-on-proposed-latte-levy/42072532.html
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/killarney-becomes-first-irish-town-to-ban-single-use-coffee-cups/a1393847597.html
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