A recent incident in a Lithuanian cafe has stirred frustration among customers, as the establishment decided to impose a 10-cent charge for each packet of sugar requested at the counter. This charge, which applies to every additional packet requested, has caught the attention of patrons who have never encountered such a practice in Lithuania or in cafes abroad. The chain in question, "Sūrio Džiugas namai," operates locations in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Telšiai, but has yet to publicly comment on the rationale behind this unusual pricing decision.

This issue arises in the context of broader changes in food service regulations, which have seen the removal of free disposable cups and containers in cafes and gas stations since May 1 of the previous year. These regulations, aimed at reducing single-use plastics, have significantly impacted consumer habits, particularly among those frequenting coffee shops. Despite these regulatory changes and the subsequent introduction of the sugar tax, local cafes report no noticeable shift in customer behavior regarding the use of reusable cups or any decline in patronage.

Overall, the new sugar fee has raised questions not only about pricing transparency but also about the response of customers to ongoing changes in consumer laws and policies. As the cafe chain remains silent on the issue, the community's backlash highlights a growing concern about how cafes adapt to regulations without alienating their customer base.