Costa Coffee reveals who can and can’t use drive-thrus as UK stores re-open

Hundreds of coffee lovers descended on the firm’s stores, causing congestion and sparking concerns that people were making unnecessary journeys during the coronavirus shutdown.

Now the firm has clarified the rules in a response to a customer on Twitter who asked: “Is it essential that a drive thru coffee should be open?

Responding, a Costa spokesman said: “Our number one priority is the safety of our store teams and customers.

“In line with the re-opening of a small number of drive-thru lanes and delivery stores this weekend, we’ve ensured strict measures have been put in place aligned to Government guidelines.

“We’d like to reinforce that our-drive thru lanes are open to offer key workers the chance to enjoy a Costa on essential journeys, whilst our delivery stores allow customers the opportunity to order a Costa from the comfort of their own home.”

Across the country, massive tailbacks were spotted in Manchester, Edinburgh and South London as 29 branches returned over the weekend.

Some customers reported waiting for hours for their favourite brew during the coronavirus lockdown.

Describing the scenes on Facebook, one comment read: "Absolute morons the whole bloody lot of them. Costa should be shut down again.

"The lockdown has NOT been lifted."

While another said: "I wonder how many of these morons have only just gone out to get a coffee... probably walking past their kettle in the process!!! And this is why we can’t have nice things!!"