Greggs, Starbucks, Costa and Pret could be forced to provide toilets for customers

HIGH Street coffee shops could be forced to provide toilets to their customers following a landmark High Court ruling.

Chains Greggs, Starbucks, Costa and Pret are among those set to be hit by the decision, with potentially thousands of branches needing to install customer loos.

Stores that offer takeaway food and drink do not need to provide toilets to their customers under current guidelines.

But the ruling means that any branch with seating should be considered a cafe and by law must provide bathrooms.

Hull City Council successfully brought the action against bakery chain Greggs after arguing it was being given an unfair advantage over other high street shops.

Newcastle City Council had previously argued on behalf of the baker, which is based in the city.

The ruling means branch’s facilities are likely to be decided on a case-by-case basis in future.

At the hearing in Leeds on Tuesday Mr Justice Kerr said:  "It is obvious that if a person sits down in a Greggs outlet at the seats provided and proceeds to eat a pasty and a fizzy drink just purchased at the counter for that purpose, that is a normal use of the premises.

"The fact that most customers take away their purchases and those who stay do not normally stay long, does not change that."

The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills confirmed it would be appealing.

The decision comes as a blow to the Government, which has sought to reduce red tape on high street stores in recent years.

Greggs made no comment but is set to support the appeal.

The bakery has 1,698 branches around the UK, employs 20,000 people and sells more than 130 MILLION sausage rolls to hungry Brits every year.

The decision also has the potential to impact high street coffee chains.

A Starbucks spokesperson said: “We are watching this ruling with interest to see how it will affect our UK stores.

“We provide toilet facilities in Starbucks stores with seating, which is the vast majority of all stores.

'The exception is where public toilet facilities are available nearby.”

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