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A café in Australia charges tax on food and drinks ordered by its male customers.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Handsome Her café is charging men 18% more than its female customers for one week per month. However, the surcharge is optional as only men who are willing to pay the tax are encouraged to do so. In addition to the ‘man tax,’ the café offers priority seating for women. Nevertheless, the café still advocates respect for both genders.
According to café owner Alexandra O’Brien, these house rules are part of her stand against pay disparities between men and women in Australia. Data from the 2016 report by Australia’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency revealed that the base salary gap is around 18%, the same figure as the imposed surcharge for the café’s male customers. Through this move, O’Brien hopes to emphasize that men are earning around $27,000 more than women.
The café’s concept has received positive feedback from its male and female customers. One man expressed his support by donating $50. All proceeds of the tax will go to Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women’s Services, a charity for women and children.
Despite the café’s positive reviews, its surcharge caused a stir on social media. People are claiming that the concept behind it reflects reverse discrimination, a form of prejudice against a dominant group. Online critics appreciate the café’s efforts to highlight gender inequality, but they think that the move is divisive and would only widen gender gap.
Nevertheless, O’Brien stands firm against criticisms. Her business is going strong as the number of customers who show their support increases.