Mr Clements said one of the officers claimed they regularly received free or discounted coffees at cafes and kiosks across Melbourne's rail network. Do you know more? Email scoop@theage.com.au "I was dumbfounded and gave them a discount, but when I thought about it later I was really annoyed," he said.. "As a small business owner I believe this to be incredibly unethical, extortionary and worrying behaviour." Metro spokeswoman Pauline O'Connor said Metro is looking into Mr Clements' claims.

"We are concerned by these allegations and are investigating." "We have an extensive gifts and hospitality policy, which applies to all staff, but it doesn't relate to this type of matter," she said. Ms O'Connor said the organisation had not received similar complaints about requests for free coffees. But it is common for businesses across the train network to offer discounts to Metro employees in the name of workplace camaraderie – or as two baristas at Balaclava Station put it: "only ever out of the kindness of our hearts". A barista at Parliament Station's Spontaneous Express Cafe said she usually offered free coffees to Metro workers.

"It's just done," she said. "We're part of the station. We all know each other." Leon Miccole, who runs a coffee stall at Elsternwick Station, said he reserves discounts to Metro employees he sees everyday. "It's about good neighbourly relationships," he said. Mr Miccole said he had never felt pressured by Metro inspectors. "I'm Italian. I don't get intimidated."

Alla Almosaz, who works at Red Engine Group kiosks in Flinders Street Station, said her employer had a strict no-discounts policy. But she said she occasionally turns down Metro inspectors' requests for free coffee. Sometimes they will even ask for the leftover food from the end of her shift. "They come and ask if I would give away old food," she said. "They're not rude. I want to give them [food] but I can't." Public Transport Victoria's code of conduct counsels authorised officers "not to accept any benefit (including any gift, gratuity, remuneration, allowance, fee, subsidy, consideration, free service or entertainment) from any person or organisation that may require, or appear to require, them to forego or prejudice their duties or obligations".