PETA nets seat as Starbucks shareholder to fight vegan milk charge

PETA just bought themselves a seat at the table at Starbucks’ annual shareholder meetings.

The animal rights group purchased the minimum number of stocks to be able to submit resolutions and have a voice in the company. That minimum purchase is just one share, which, in this case, cost $88.68.

Seattle retakes status as the best city in the country for coffee drinkers

PETA spokeswoman Amber Canavan says their first priority is a pretty specific one: getting Starbucks to stop charging up to 80 cents extra for vegan milk.

“There are several other companies that don’t charge extra, including Tim Horton’s, Stumpton Coffee Roasters, and Whole Foods,” she told KIRO Radio. “It’s time for Starbucks to do the right thing by animals and their customers by ending this upcharge.”

“That does not help make it accessible for people who are trying to make decisions, either for their health or for the environment or for animals.”

Seattle area coffee chain barred former baristas from working at nearby cafes

She argues that the surcharge punishes those who are lactose intolerant, as well as customers who choose a vegan lifestyle to reduce methane-gas emissions or oppose cruelty to animals.

The next shareholder meeting is in the spring.