Starbucks Philippines apologizes for limiting discounts for senior citizens and PWDs

Starbucks Philippines has apologized for limiting discounts for seniors and persons with disabilities (PWDs) to only one food item and one beverage per visit, noting that they will continue to extend the privilege "for their personal use and employment."

In a hearing ordered by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the coffee chain's operations manager Angela Cole clarified that there was an error in their advisory, which went viral on social media last week when it was displayed in all Starbucks stores nationwide. She said the company understood that it caused confusion as it was "not properly worded."

"We are taking full accountability and acknowledge the mistake. We are disappointed at the confusion we caused because of the erroneous signage," Cole said.

According to Starbucks Philippines' representative, they decided to put it up "in response to [their] employees asking for a suggested approach." Cole noted that they "immediately removed" it as soon as they received the first complaint.

Noting how much they value their customers, Cole said that the beverage brand "will continue to extend full discount privileges to senior citizens (and PWDs) for their personal use and enjoyment."

The signage became a hot topic online on Jan. 11 after a social media user shared a photo of it on X. The advisory read: "Starting January 15, 2024, food and beverage purchases with Senior Citizen, Person with Disability, and other government discounts shall be limited to one food item and one beverage only per visit. We appreciate your understanding."

Some regarded the move as "unacceptable" and tagged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in their tweets, while others explained how the discount privilege is abused as there are seniors and PWDs who use their discount IDs in different transactions for different orders in one visit just so they could get them at lower prices.

In a chat with PhilSTAR L!fe, DTI Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles clarified that the law "does not limit one food item and one drink."

"It only says for personal and exclusive consumption of the senior citizen or PWD. This cannot be limited by any establishment as long as the senior citizen or PWD is going to consume the food and drinks," she said.

During the said hearing, Rep. Joey Salceda called on the coffee chain to launch a "buy-one-take-one" deal for seniors and PWDs, stressing that "saying sorry is not enough" as they "violated the law."

He added that he got a similar complaint against bakeshop Goldilocks, which also reportedly limited 20% discounts on cake slices for eligible individuals.

In a phone conversation with L!fe, Goldilocks maintained that they are “in full compliance of the Senior Citizen Act." The company also said that they "remain committed in respecting the rights and privileges of senior citizens.”