Anti-vaxxers aren’t happy with Costa’s rules
(Picture: Reuters)Costa Coffee is the latest business to face the wrath of anti-vaxxers, after a photo reportedly showing an Irish branch’s new “eat in requirements” surfaced online.
The notice, affixed to the front window of its Killarney store, details a list of rules for customers over the age of 18.
This includes “proof of immunity” in the form of the EU’s Digital Covid Certificate, a vaccination card from Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), or proof “they have recovered from Covid-19”.
According to the sign, customers also have to provide photo ID to eat in, in the form of a driver’s licence, passport or public service card.
“Unvaccinated customers may sit outside and may use takeaway cups only,” it adds.
Not content with being able to sip their Golden Caramel Latte inside, those somehow opposed to the idea of vaccinating yourself against a deadly virus are calling on others to boycott the coffee chain.
Laurence Fox, leader of the Reclaim Party and former candidate for Mayor of London, tweeted: “Please write lots of tweets to Costa Coffee and let them know how you feel about their discriminative policy of not allowing those that haven’t taken their appointment at the jabattoir to share the privileges of those who have.”
Others have also taken to Twitter to vent their anger at the policy, with one describing it as part of a “fascist takeover of the world”:
#BoycottCosta
— TheSooks (@SooksThe) July 30, 2021
I shall boycott any place like Costa that deny the unvaccinated among us, entry to their cafes.
This is going too far now. To be coerced to take the vaccine is abhorrent and when businesses pile on to the lunacy they clearly aren't worth my custom.
Haven’t stepped foot in a #costacoffee in 18 months and never will again. #boycottcosta #discrimination
— Victoria #UsforThem (@Vicster82) July 30, 2021
#BoycottCosta because their coffee isn't that great and they love to discriminate https://t.co/pq4bPb021D
— Ed (@edthetechie) July 30, 2021
The boycott supported by anti-vaxxers such as Fox – who has previously spoken out against so-called ‘cancel culture’ – has since been mocked online for essentially helping Costa enforce its policy:
Costa coffee: you cant come in without proof of vaccination.
— Dr Ben Janaway (@drjanaway) July 30, 2021
Anti-vaxxers: #BoycottCosta !!!
Costa coffee: oh no, losing the very customers we are banning.
#BoycottCosta trending amongst the anti-vaxxers. How can you boycott a business that won't let you in anyway?
— Mike (@ukinvtip) July 30, 2021
It's not a boycott if they told you not to come in, but hey I guess the entire thing with anti-vaxxers is not understanding things.#BoycottCosta pic.twitter.com/owJM9jB3Jn
— erin (@erydactyl_) July 30, 2021
Love seeing people saying they’re going to #BoycottCosta because they might require customers who sit in to be vaccinated, that’s what they want?! If you’re unvaccinated then pls do boycott it to protect the safety of other customers and staff x
— Rachel / Get Vaccinated! (@rachellord22) July 30, 2021
Note to anti vax ppl you can’t boycott something if they won’t serve you anyway 😹😹😹 #BoycottCosta
— Sox the waving cat (@Soxthewavingcat) July 31, 2021
Others have expressed concern about boycotting Costa entirely:
#BoycottCosta
— Tyrone Mings Mortgage Advice Line (@Big_six_baby) July 30, 2021
If what I'm reading is true I fully support this.
Can't sing, can't dance, average looks pic.twitter.com/CXmntiLbxj
Seems harsh but he was always the crappiest member of Blue. #BoycottCosta pic.twitter.com/xHarpVfoem
— Rossko 👉👉 (@RosskoKeniston) July 30, 2021
Why do we have to #BoycottCosta He's my favourite member of Blue @AntonyCosta
— Alex Thomson (@AJTHOM22) September 21, 2015
That’s Blue singer Anthony Costa, by the way.
Elsewhere, others pointed out that fewer anti-vaxxers in Costa will actually make for a more pleasant experience for them:
A few people get together and say #BoycottCosta. Do it if you wish, they’ll get by without you. More coffee for me, and my double jabbed friends
— Des (@deshudson62) July 30, 2021
Me sleeping peacefully knowing that #BoycottCosta is only trending bc of antivaxxer nonsense and thus I can continue to have my hot chocolates guilt-free pic.twitter.com/YbxnuPotbr
— Kerrie 💙🌙 She/Her ♀️ (@weeaboowoman) July 30, 2021
Having looked at some of the people saying #BoycottCosta, I might nip on tomorrow for some of their delicious tea with toast and honey. A few less fuckwits to listen to would be good
— Will Black (@WillBlackWriter) July 30, 2021
While Costa Coffee have yet to issue a public statement on the issue, they have since responded to Twitter users directly to clarify the situation, saying that they’re following rules set by the Irish government:
Sorry Laurence, We have to abide by the policy set out by https://t.co/WifqnoH4mx so will be asking for proof of vaccination or immunity - Natalie
— Costa Coffee (@CostaCoffee) July 30, 2021
In guidance on “reopening hospitality” updated on Friday, the government said: “Indoor hospitality has reopened for people who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months as well as children under 18 in their care.
“The EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) or the HSE Vaccination Card will be the primary evidence used when going into a pub, restaurant, café or food court to access indoor hospitality.
“You may also be asked for photo ID to prove that the EU Digital COVID Certificate, HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Card or other proof of immunity is yours.”
In UK branches of Costa, however, no such rules apply.
Once again, anti-vaxxers are making a ‘mochary’ of themselves.
