Montreal law firm files class action against coffee chains over non-dairy charges [Video]

Montreal law firm LPC Avocat is suing major coffee chains, claiming they unfairly charged customers extra for non-dairy milk substitutes in their lattes.

The lawsuit targets Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and Second Cup, accusing them of profiting from the practice for years.

According to class action lawyer Joey Zukran, this practice affected a significant portion of customers.

“Well, it’s 44 per cent of the Canadian population who are lactose intolerant,” said Zukran.

“So you’re looking at not only vulnerable consumers by definition but also for health reasons. You have another 5 per cent of the Canadian population that are vegans. So, you’ve just basically targeted 50 per cent.”

The class action, which has yet to be proven in court, argues that the coffee chains engaged in what Zukran describes as “highway robbery,” characterizing the surcharge as an abusive charge under the Quebec Consumer Protection Act.

The price of milk substitutes has …