Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's, Krispy Kreme offer voters goodies
San Francisco Business Times
Coffee, doughnuts and ice cream are offered up in election day giveaways by Starbucks Corp., Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. and Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc.
But Starbucks' giveaway may violate state and federal laws because it specifically targets voters, according to the attorney general of Washington state.
Seattle-based Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) said it is giving away a free "tall" 12-ounce cup of coffee to anyone who votes.
Winston Salem, N.C.-based Krispy Kreme (NYSE: KKD) is giving away star-shaped doughnuts and Vermont-based Ben & Jerry's is offering free scoops of its ice cream Tuesday. But those companies aren't requiring people to say they voted to get their treats.
Despite the alleged election law problem, a spokesman for the Washington state AG said the office didn't plan to press charges, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Ben & Jerry's said in a statement that it had considered a promotion similar to Starbucks' but changed plans when it learned of the possible legal complications. Instead, all customers at its shops between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesday will be given free scoops.
Krispy Kreme is only requiring that customers at its 85 company-owned stores mention its promotion to get their free doughnut. Some of its 145 franchisees will also participate.
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal
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