Turin Coffee Shop Causes Outrage with €1 ‘Festive Charge’

Some companies are not afraid to raise their prices a little in order to make as much money as possible over the festive period. Take days such as “Mad Friday” and Christmas Eve, for example. With a plethora of revellers out partying in town centres, taxi firms, typically, raise fares.

There is a debate to be had on this issue. Is it right to charge people extra for services around the holidays and make a few extra cents, euros and pounds? Or, should companies and business embrace the season of good will?

Well, now this discourse has spread to encompass the coffee industry, specifically, one little Turin café called Menodiciotto.

On New Year’s Eve, one individual was out enjoying his cities nightlife. In the run up to the clock ticking to midnight, he headed to Menodiciotto and bought two espressos and two marocchinos (a regional drink comprised of espresso, milk froth and chocolate powder). He was charged €14 – €4 of which was referred to as a ‘festive supplement’.

Feeling a little aggrieved, the man – who has remained anonymous – had a quick moan on social media. In true 2016 fashion, his posts were picked up by Italian news agencies and quickly became a popular talking point.

“This is why tourism in Turin isn’t taking off,” said one while others asked why ‘festive supplements’ even exist. However, some people were keen to point out that compared to Venetian prices; the €1 surcharge is not that bad at all.

Menodiciotto’s manager, Marco Oliva, responded and defending the price hike. Speaking to La Stampa, he said, “During the holidays, especially when we are open during evening hours, we pay our employees more money and so we thought the charge was necessary.”

This is fair enough. Nevertheless, a number of people are worried that this increase is part of a dangerous trend as unscrupulous café owners have targeted holidaymakers in the past.

Interestingly, Istat has found that Turin is the most expensive place in Italy for a coffee, with an espresso costing an average of €1.04. Elsewhere in Italy, that price drops to €0.94.

(Happy New Year!)