Ghetto Lattes and Moral Codes

The term "Ghetto Latte" has entered common use in the US. I am not a huge fan of the term itself, but it does raise some interesting questions that get bandied about at work.

For those who aren't familiar with the term, it describes an action wherein someone orders an espresso in a large cup, then adds milk from the free mixers area at the cafe, thereby circumventing the more expensive order of a latte or cappucino.

I work with some highly educated, highly paid individuals, and it is fascinating to get people's opinions on whether this behavior is right or wrong. Personally, I think it more or less amounts to fraud or theft. After all, if you want a latte, you should order it instead of essentially stealing the milk.

Needless to say, these moral questions can be used as a springboard for lots of amusing lunchtime conversation. I have appended a few of them that have been actively discussed, along with my personal views. If you have any opinions on the matter, speak out!

(Q) If upon ordering a Cafe Americano, Starbucks asks "Would you like room for milk?" - is it still immoral to turn this into a ghetto latte?
(A) An Americano can be considered equivalent to a standard cup of coffee. You are free to add a splash of milk to your taste. I would say up to 10-15% of total volume. The "Ghetto Latte" term is reserved for those ruffians who order an espresso in a large cup such that they can rob the poor store owner of milk.


(Q) If one purchases tea, what ratio of milk to tea is considered allowable under the Scotto Moral Code?
(A) I would treat tea as above - up to 10-15% of total volume.


(Q) Isn't the business owner figuring the Ghetto Latte as part of their standard losses in their business plan?
(A) Perhaps, but theft is theft


(Q) Let's say that you have a young child. You enter a cafe where milk is clearly on the menu, but you have a bottle with you. Is it ok not to purchase milk?
(A) Presumably you are in the cafe to purchase something yourself, not to take up their space for free. On this one, I would say it is ok to use the bottle.


(Q) Let's say you have multiple children. Is it ok to purchase one drink for them to share? Or must each individual purchase their own drink?
(A) Sharing is one of the things that separates us from lower forms of life. Go ahead.

I'll add more as these difficult moral questions arise.