Customer takes café chain to task for avoiding corporation tax

You have to read this mans impassioned letter on why he’s no longer a loyal customer of Caffé Nero

In a heartfelt letter to the chain Caffé Nero, poet Steve Pottinger returned his loyalty card, citing the company’s failure to pay corporation tax. And he's caused a bit of a fuss on Twitter and other social media.

According to the BBC, Caffé Nero has rejected similiar accusations before, saying tax-deductible interest payments on the debt that was used to buy the business mean it has not been liable for corporation tax.

Mr Pottinger, who also works in the music business, argues: "Although I’m aware what you do is perfectly legal... but at a time of austertity when vital services face cutbacks, it sticks in the craw".

He says that the money from the corporation tax could have been used for public services such as hospital care for his father when he needed it and housing benefitrs for his friends in low-paying jobs.

Caffé Nero have refused to comment on the letter which accuses the company of failing to return the loyalty he has shown them.

Caffé Nero has more than 500 cafes in the UK and made a pre-tax profit last year of over €25 million and payed no corporation tax.

The café has one branch in Dublin and announced last March that they plan to open 40 branches across Ireland over the next five years.

While Mr Pottinger has received widespread praise for his actions, what are the chances Caffé Nero will take his comments on board?

We won’t hold our breath.