COFFEE giant Starbucks has launched an investigation after claims a blind man was thrown out of its Milton shop despite having his guide dog with him.

It was alleged a member of staff told the man and his wife - who had already been served - the cafe had a “no dogs” policy and they were ordered to leave.

A Reporter reader, who asked not to be named, said the couple were escorted out from the premises despite their protests that they had an assistance dog.

The woman said: “I was in Starbucks last Wednesday afternoon when the couple came in. The dog had one of those harnesses, clearly showing it was an assistance dog.

“The man sat at a table while his wife got their order. They had only been sitting for a few minutes when a young member of staff came over and told them they were not allowed to bring their dog into the shop.

“The man was calm and explained it was his guide dog. His wife pointed to a sign on the shop door showing assistance dogs were allowed but the young girl insisted they had to leave.

“The couple were visibly upset and a few people tried to complain but the staff member wasn’t having any of it. The couple had to leave their drinks and get out.”

She added: “It was terrible. I couldn’t believe the way they were treated. It was so embarrassing and I felt terrible for them.”

The woman said she had to rush off but returned to Starbucks the following Saturday to complain about the couple’s treatment. But she said she was horrified at the response she received.

“I told another staff person about the blind man but she said it couldn’t have happened. I asked if she was calling me a liar but she just repeated it couldn’t have happened the way I described it.

“I was furious, not just at how the couple were treated but now another staff person was denying it even took place.”

The Reporter has also received a second call about the incident from another customer.

A Starbucks spokesperson said she was shocked to hear about the alleged incident: “We have not received a complaint but we will carry out an investigation,” she said.