Starbucks, Tim Hortons and Second Cup accused of gouging alternative milk drinkers in Canada
A Quebec judge allowed a class action alleging major coffee chains overcharged customers for non-dairy milk substitutes.Summary
A Quebec judge authorized a class-action lawsuit against Starbucks, Second Cup and Tim Hortons, allowing claims to proceed that the chains charged unfair surcharges for non-dairy milk substitutes. The lawsuit covers Quebec consumers charged for alternatives such as soy, oat, almond and coconut milk during specified periods, and seeks an injunction, reimbursement and punitive damages. LPC Avocats argued the fees were disproportionate to the chains' costs, while Starbucks said it made no admission about costs and that a reference in the ruling was a court error. The judge did not decide whether the companies broke Quebec's Consumer Protection Act, but found the evidence was sufficient to allow the case to continue.
(Source：The Kingston Whig-Standard)