Hospitality groups have raised concerns that a proposed 25p ‘latte levy’ on disposable coffee cups could disproportionately impact the poorest individuals in Scotland. The Scottish Government is currently seeking feedback on the implementation of a charge for single-use cups, with the aim of promoting the use of reusable cups and reducing litter and waste. However, UKHospitality Scotland has cautioned that such a levy would be regressive, citing cases in Portugal and Vancouver where similar policies were abandoned due to their ineffectiveness.
The trade body suggested that taxing disposable cups could raise costs for consumers, particularly those on lower incomes, contradicting the government’s progressive taxation policies. Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, highlighted the lack of success and international precedent against such charges, recommending that the Scottish Government reconsider the proposal to save resources.
While litter campaigners have praised the potential levy as an opportunity to address the excessive use of disposable cups in Scotland, with around 400 million being used annually, research suggests that only about half of the population would change their behaviour in response to the charge. The Scottish Government estimates that the policy could help reduce the 5,400 tons of waste generated by discarded cups each year.
It is essential for policymakers to carefully consider the potential impact of the ‘latte levy’ on various socioeconomic groups before implementing such a measure. Balancing environmental goals with social equity concerns is key to ensuring effective and fair policies for all members of society.