COFFEE traders in Gloucestershire are divided over a new scheme which allows customers to buy hot drinks in-store for someone sleeping on the street.
Cafe owners have offered mixed reaction to Suspended Coffee – an idea first used in Italy – which could catch on across the borough.
But, while not everyone is convinced its the best way to help the homeless, some hope to introduce it to their shops.
Tina Mitchell, owner of Blend Coffee in Charlton Kings, said she thought it would be a good idea, as long as the money benefits those in the local community.
She said: "I think it's a brilliant idea. If the money stays within the community, at least you will know your money has gone via a local shop.
"I think customers would be happy to do it, as long as there was more awareness about it."
But other borough coffee shop owners are not so keen on the idea.
Gloucestershire trader Lizzie Abderrahim said she would prefer to ask someone what they needed before putting hard-earned cash towards a coffee for someone.
She said: "The idea of offering help to those in need is great, but I am not sure that this is the way.
"If there are people out there in need, there are plenty of organisations that provide support. They should make a donation to them instead.
"It would be quite a challenge to keep tabs on who had paid for what, and it could be abused."
The idea was started in Italy, and the movement has received 23,000 supporters on the social networking website Facebook.
Vicky Finch, a barista at Coffee#1 which has branches in Cirencester and Tewkesbury, said people sometimes buy a coffee and a snack for a rough sleeper, but haven't taken money for a "suspended" coffee.
"I have never heard of that," she said. "We have had customers who have bought a coffee and a sandwich and given it to someone. It would be amazing if people did it though."
Coffee drinker John Griffiths said he felt there were better ways to help those in need. "It sounds like a scheme from a big coffee firm to sell more of the stuff," he added.
"I wouldn't do it – I'd ask someone what they wanted and buy it for them. It's an interesting idea, but it removes the connection between those giving and people in need, when there is no need to."