Starbucks ‘pausing use of personal cups’ amid UK coronavirus fears

Starbucks stopping personal cups amid coronavirus fears

Starbucks branches in the UK will be "pausing the use of personal cups" as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus, the company has announced.

The coffee chain said that it would "continue to honour existing discounts" for anyone who brought reusable tumblers but that its drinks would be served in paper cups.

Reusable cups are in vogue for reducing waste but are no longer welcome at Starbucks cafes over fears of the coronavirus, the coffee chain announced. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

It added that the 5p charge for disposable cups will be temporarily suspended.

The announcement comes after the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed on Thursday that 25 more people had tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total number in the UK to 116.

One patient, who suffered from underlying health problems, has now died.

Starbucks' vice president of retail for Europe, Robert Lynch, said: "Out an abundance of caution, we are pausing the use of personal cups or tumblers in our stores across the UK.

"However, we will continue to honour our 25p discount for anyone who brings in a personal cup.

"As a result, we are suspending our 5p... charges for paper cups as well, given this decision prevents customers from opting for reusables."

"In addition, we are introducing increased cleaning measures for stores as well as for all "for here" ware (ceramic mugs, plates, etc.)"

Starbucks stores in the US have already implemented similar measures.