Starbuck demo on Saturday
Barista | 23.11.2008 07:35 | Globalisation | South Coast
PROTESTERS are to gather outside a highly controversial branch of the unpopular US coffee chain Starbucks in Brighton on Saturday November 29.
The 12 noon demo in St James St will mark the sixth month anniversary of the cafe opening without plannimg permission and against the wishes of lots of local residents and traders.
There a whole range of reasons for not liking Starbucks, ranging from their nasty habit of forcing out locally based competitiors to the ethical deficit that allows them to run a branch in Guantanamo Bay!
The 12 noon demo in St James St will mark the sixth month anniversary of the cafe opening without plannimg permission and against the wishes of lots of local residents and traders.
There a whole range of reasons for not liking Starbucks, ranging from their nasty habit of forcing out locally based competitiors to the ethical deficit that allows them to run a branch in Guantanamo Bay!
Said one of the campaigners, who have been holding regular Saturday protests in the run-up to this week's big event: "The arrogant twats even refitted as a café before permission was even determined assuming (or knowing more like) their money, clout, and fancy solicitors could sort any annoying little details like, you know, planning laws and community feeling.
"The latest crap to come – other than their (unfairly traded) coffee - from these shameless profit-hungry lot is that they’re not in fact a café - they’re a SHOP. Riiiight! So the cuddly sofas are imaginary and mannequins sitting in there are sipping on skinny lattes and local traders' blood.
"The council ARE for once doing something about it and are taking enforcement action but as we know nothing’s fast in local government and in the meantime this faceless company are taking trade away from the 17 other independently-run cafes in the area and local economy.
"Well, this time they’ve met their match because this is Brighton, right, you with me? Alternative, independent, quirky, you know the place. Well, if you love it here then come along and show your support, persuade a few shoppers to see the light, and help protect our city because the chains are coming quick and fast and it’s time to say ENOUGH."
"The latest crap to come – other than their (unfairly traded) coffee - from these shameless profit-hungry lot is that they’re not in fact a café - they’re a SHOP. Riiiight! So the cuddly sofas are imaginary and mannequins sitting in there are sipping on skinny lattes and local traders' blood.
"The council ARE for once doing something about it and are taking enforcement action but as we know nothing’s fast in local government and in the meantime this faceless company are taking trade away from the 17 other independently-run cafes in the area and local economy.
"Well, this time they’ve met their match because this is Brighton, right, you with me? Alternative, independent, quirky, you know the place. Well, if you love it here then come along and show your support, persuade a few shoppers to see the light, and help protect our city because the chains are coming quick and fast and it’s time to say ENOUGH."
Barista
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