CSNA: Retailers slam new latte levy
Retailers including CSNA, McDonald’s and Bewley’s criticise new latte levy plans, warning of higher costs and no green gain
Print10 November 2025
New proposals aimed at introducing the latte levy have been criticised by a group representing McDonald’s, CSNA, Bewley’s, Restaurants Association of Ireland, Insomnia and other major outlets who claim it will bring no environmental benefit, the CSNA report.
New measures being considered by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment would see a charge imposed on cup producers and importers instead of consumers, making them more expensive for retailers.
It would then be up to cafes, restaurants and shops to decide how this additional cost might be passed on to consumers.
Litter and pollution reduction
A latte levy aimed at reducing single-use cup consumption has been considered by successive governments to reduce littering and pollution.
Initial proposals for the levy in 2022 mirrored the plastic bag levy, with consumers expected to face an additional charge when buying drinks sold in single-use takeaway cups.
A 20 cent levy per disposable cup was due to be introduced in 2023 to incentivise people to reduce waste but wasn’t imposed, and the issue was last raised in the Dáil last year by Eamon Ryan of the Green Party.
The new proposed model would be overseen by Revenue, who would be responsible for collecting the charge from cup suppliers and importers.
But the group of retailers has called on the Government to pause a survey over concerns it would place an “unfair and extensive cost burden on businesses”.
Documents obtained by the Sunday Independent show officials at Revenue and the Department of Climate discussed making similar adjustments to the plastic bag levy to be applied to shop owners in the future.
The Irish Paper Packaging Circularity Alliance (IPPCA), an industry body made up of 14 business and groups in the sector, claims the new levy model for single-use cups will not reduce usage or increase recycling.
It estimates the proposed levy could lead to consumers paying an additional €50m per year for coffees and drinks if charges are passed on to customers if retailers pay more for paper cups.
IPPCA chair Fearghal Carroll said: “The easy solution to this is… that we have to invest in infrastructure to increase recycling.
“Walking through the streets in Ireland, it is very difficult to find a recycling bin for segregation of material.”
Read more: CSNA: NI Health Minister recommends MUP
© 2025, ShelfLife by CSNA
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