Woman at the centre of $3.50 babycino storm speaks out

THE woman at the centre of Tasmania’s $3.50 babycino storm has broken a silence, speaking to the media about the controversy for the first time.

Ava Redman, 3, enjoys a free babycinos at Brother Nancy Cafe, Footscray. Picture: Nathan Dyer

THE woman at the centre of Tasmania’s $3.50 babycino storm has broken a silence, speaking to the media about the controversy for the first time.

“The Deluxe” Beaujangles Café babycino, $3.50. Picture: HANNAH GREY

A $3.50 “deluxe” babycino served at Hobart’s Beaujangles cafe this week led to hundreds of comments on various media platforms about babycinos and the merits of charging for them.

Megan Warren, of Glebe, was the customer who sparked the debate by questioning the cost of the Beaujangles beverage.

Beaujangles also serves a “plain” babycino for free.

> MORE: STORM OVER $3.50 BABYCINO

“I wasn’t asked what type of babycino I wanted, and was charged $3.50,” Ms Warren said.

“I queried the cost with the cafe and they didn’t offer any explanation so I told them that I wouldn’t be coming back.

“I’ve managed a hospitality business. I understand costs of production. But $3.50 is the same price as a normal drink.”

Ms Warren said she posted her protest on the Eating Out in Tassie Facebook group in order to ask people what they thought was a reasonable price for a babycino.

“I didn’t expect this reaction and I’m receiving abuse online,” Miss Warren said.

After reading the explosion of comments online, Ms Warren notes that others agreed with her stance.

One commentator said: “$3.50 is highway robbery for a pimped-up babycino”.

Another said $3.50 was very reasonable for the “deluxe”, which included milk, special chocolate froth, chocolate chunks and lollies.

Beaujangles owner Leah Vigolo said there was a misunderstanding with Ms Warren over the “deluxe” and the “plain” babycino.

Beaujangles was asked to comment.

Hannah Grey is a journalism and law student at the University of Tasmania.