A Melbourne cafe has responded to an elderly customer who sparked a bitter row over hygiene when he criticised a staff member for working while “clearly ill”.
The anonymous customer emailed the cafe to slam a staff member who was seen coughing and visibly ill while serving customers.
“She looked and sounded horrible, and I overheard her telling another customer that she was sick,” the customer wrote on Reddit.
“It was really unpleasant, especially since I wasn’t wearing a mask.
“I understand that people need to run their business, but it’s disturbing to see someone so clearly sick serving food and drinks without taking basic precautions,” the customer added.
The customer shared the email she wrote to the coffee shop on social media.
“I had to throw away my coffee after seeing her touch my coffee cup,” they wrote.
“I’m older and I don’t want to get sick because of other people’s highly unhygienic habits.”
Email sent to Melbourne cafe after customer saw employee working while sick
The cafe responded to the customer’s email, sparking a huge debate (file image)
In response to the customer’s email, the cafe said staff sometimes needed to work when they were not feeling well.
“I can assure you that there are no unhygienic habits adopted as we take health and well-being very seriously with constant sanitation and the use of gloves when preparing food.”
The cafe owner insisted that the staff member could not wear a mask.
“I’m sorry you felt uncomfortable,” they added.
‘However, if constant disinfection is carried out before handling the product, it is very possible that you will be more likely to catch it from another customer or someone standing next to you outside, rather than from this interaction.’
The email chain sparked an outraged response from hundreds of Australians when it was posted on social media.
“I thought Covid was meant to teach us that if you’re sick stay home, but the incompetence of managers has gotten worse,” said one.
Another commented: “It is against food safety regulations for people handling food and drink preparation to be unwell.”
A third added: “This infuriates me. At least wear a mask. It’s incredibly selfish.”
‘I would like to know the name of the cafe so I can avoid it. I’ve abandoned places in situations like this.’
Many pointed out that the lack of sick leave for casual workers forces employees to show up for work even when they are unwell.
The cafe’s response to the customer’s email, which said staff sometimes needed to work when slightly ill.
“Casual workers no longer have sick leave and people need to earn money to feed themselves,” said one.
“Most hospitality workers are just a couple of shifts away from not being able to pay rent and potentially being left out on the street,” added a second.
‘Cold and flu symptoms can persist for a few weeks in some people.
“This is simply the reality of living in Australia in 2024, where the cost of housing has negatively impacted almost every other aspect of society.”
A third person shared their experience: ‘I’ve just gone three weeks without pay (I’m a hospitality worker) because the customers are just as bad.
“The amount of dirty cups I’ve been handed is disgusting, as is the amount of coughing and drooling over money. Stay home if you’re sick, dammit!”