‘Too little, too Latte’

The new Costa on Campus may have been pulling in the pounds, but Starbucks has remained a staple in the student coffee diet. However, the recent backlash against the corporation’s tax evasion scandal could sway students away from the coffee giant. Several protest groups, including members of Occupy Exeter, rallied together to protest the dodgy tax evasion and to raise awareness of homelessness in Exeter.

After paying zero tax on their £398 million worth of sales last year, it is unsurprising that Saturday afternoon saw many gather in front of the Exeter High Street store to make their voices heard. Even with the shamed business pledging to pay £20 million in tax over the next two years, protesters seemed anything but impressed as they waved signs declaring it was ‘Too little, too Latte’ and ‘Making a Mocha-ry of UK Tax Laws’.

As well as asking the public to sign their petition, the issue of homelessness was brought to the public’s attention by the group. The protesters built a shelter in the middle of the High Street and performed alternative carols and dramas. The leaflet distributed by the protesters referenced the tragic death of a young homeless woman during the floods and stated ‘The County Council in Devon have cut funding for homelessness by 44% in 2 years, from £6.2 million to £3.5 million. Exeter has lost 204 “supported bed” spaces for homeless people.’ The protesters argued that Starbucks’ missing tax money could have helped refill local government coffers that attempt to support the homeless.

The Exeter store was one of over 50 UK Starbucks that were targeted in UK Uncut’s mass demonstration on Saturday. Starbucks has been accused, along with other global firms Amazon and Google, of exploiting loopholes in tax laws in order to legally dodge corporation payments.

Student’s taste for caramel mochafrappichinos may help some over-look this attempted tax dodge, but the protesters peaceful, well thought-out rally may have persuaded many to empty their wallets elsewhere.