Waitrose to trial scrapping free hot drink offer in some stores unless shoppers buy something
Customers now have to buy something before being able to pour themselves a free cup of coffee or tea
WAITROSE customers will now have to buy a product before qualifying for a free tea or coffee from the supermarket, with a new trial changing the loyalty program freebie.
The trial, rolled out across eight stores, was sparked by the supermarket examining the offer to ensure the benefit is being used "as it was originally intended".
A Waitrose spokeperson told the Sun Online: "A free tea or coffee is our way to thank customers for shopping with us.
"We are carrying out a trial in eight branches where we will be making a small change.
"We'll simply be asking myWaitrose members in these shops to make a purchase before collecting their free coffee at the checkout."
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The spokesperson said that no decision had been made around how long the trial would last for or whether it would be extended to other stores.
She said: "A free tea or coffee was introduced as a way for us to thank people for shopping with us and we are looking at ways to best ensure we provide the benefit as it was originally intended."
When questioned by the Sun Online, Waitrose said: "The vast majority of customers in these eight branches have understood and been positive about the change."
The trial comes after the 'MyWaitrose' loyalty scheme was first introduced in 2014, with members able to swipe their card at the till and get a drink at the self-service machine daily.
Customers were not required to buy anything to get their hands on the piping hot drink.
Branches at Mountsorrel and Billericay first began asking for customers to pay up from September 19, while another six stores rolled out the trial on Monday.
Other stores involved in the trial include Bury St Edmunds, Clifton, Leigh-on-Sea, Norwich, Southend and Swaffham.
A further 15 Waitrose petrol stations were also reported to have introduced a minimum £30 fuel spend for its customers to get a free drink from September 7.
The stations include Bagshot Road, Battersea, Broxbourne, Burgh Heath, Burnt Common, Ealing, Guildford, Haslemere, Headington, Horley, Ken Gardens, Petts Wood, Roehampton, Sceptre and Tubs Hill.
Members of the myWaitrose loyalty scheme have been required to buy something before getting a free hot drink at Waitrose cafes since February 2015.
It is also unclear whether the trial will be extended to other stores.
Waitrose has been approached for comment by The Sun Online.
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