A class action lawsuit has been filed against popular restaurant chain Chipotle Mexican Grill after customers did not receive their exact change at checkout.

With a coin shortage happening throughout the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some stores are short-changing their customers. One plaintiff claims to have visited a Pennsylvania store and paid her $15.51 total with a $20 bill, only receiving $4 in return rather than $4.49. A second plaintiff claims she received $11 in change instead of $11.28.

“This ‘company policy’ not only discriminates against people who do not have, or do not wish to use, credit cards, but also results in a tax-free cash windfall to Chipotle,” the suit reads.

In a written statement, Chipotle Chief Corporate Affairs and Food Safety Officer Laurie Schalow said, “If a restaurant is low on change as a result of the nationwide coin shortage, our policy is to only accept exact change or other non-cash forms of payment.

“Restaurants that are impacted have signage posted on the door as well as inside, and employees have been instructed to alert guests prior to ordering. We encourage customers to contact us immediately with any concerns so we can investigate and respond quickly to make things right.”

Frank G. Salpietro, attorney for the plaintiffs, claims the corporate explanation and signage are not sufficient. “If someone tells you, ‘I’m gonna steal from you,’ and they steal from you, that didn’t get them off the hook.”

—Source: post-gazette.com