Can you use reusable cups at coffee shops in Melbourne after COVID?

Returning to work means the return of the morning coffee, but are you allowed to bring your Keep Cup? Here are the rules.

Peter Tracy (barista) and Dunja Rezo (manager) at Quists Coffee in Little Collins Street, Melbourne. Picture: Josie Hayden

If you’ve been wondering if you’re allowed to bring your Keep Cup to your local cafe, the answer is you can.

Coffee-loving Melburnians are now allowed to bring a reusable cup into their favourite cafe, but there are some simple rules you must follow.

During the COVID lockdown reusable cups were banned from Melbourne cafes, putting a halt to the eco-friendly practice.

The Department of Health outlined takeaway practices on its coronavirus website which includes clean cups and the ‘contactless pour’.

Juliet Coffee and Bread Barista Gwen Lee said customers are still confused whether they can or can’t use their own cup.

“People are confused at the moment because of COVID, we usually put boiling water in the keep cups beforehand which keeps the coffee warm and helps keep the cup clean,’ she said.

“We stopped using reusable cups for a while during COVID but started again when masks came off, the rules around it were confusing.”

Businesses are allowed to accept reusable cups for takeaway beverages but they will not accept any dirty cups so staff can practice good hygiene.

Cafes are allowed to use the ‘contactless pour’ technique where the owner of the reusable cup puts it on the counter for the barista to pour the drink in.

How to use the ‘contactless pour’ technique

1. Ask your cafe if they are able to do a contactless pour

2. Place your reusable cup on the counter or tray with the lid off

3. The barista will make the drink in another vessel and pour it into your cup without touching it

4. Place the lid on your reusable cup

To find our more about what covid-safe rules are in place visit the Hospitality COVID-19 sector guidance website.

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