Tim Hortons is pushing the pause button on the use of reusable cups at its franchises across Canada.
Roll Up The Rim paper cups are also falling victim to the spread of COVID-19 around the world and in Canada.
As of Monday morning, health officials said there were 62 confirmed cases across the country, and more presumptive cases waiting for lab results. In Ontario, officials confirmed 32 cases.
"Tim Hortons is making this decision in the best interests of guests, restaurant owners, and over 100,000 team members," the company said in a news release. "Tim Hortons does not believe it's the right time for team members in our restaurants to collect rolled up tabs that have been in people's mouths during this current public health environment."
The company is redistributing $30 million in prizes to restaurant giveaways and the digital Roll Up The Rim contest.
"Tim Hortons recognizes that some guests will miss the excitement of rolling up the paper cups, even for a good reason," the company said. "This is why Tim Hortons has made the digital contest even more exciting with $16 million worth of prizes -- in addition to the $14 million giveaway at restaurants that all guests can benefit from, regardless of whether or not they play our digital game."
Cash registers will be programmed to randomize the coffee and hot beverage giveaway and winning guests will automatically be credited for their beverage at the time of purchase.
It said it is working to responsibly collect all of the paper Roll Up The Rim cups to ensure they are recycled.
