World Coffee Events dispute answered

By Ben Malandrinos

Dubai, criticised for its controversial laws which make transgender identity and homosexuality against the law, was supposed to hold the events in 2018. Credit: Max Pixel

The Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) has announced the 2019 locations for the World Coffee Events.

Boston, Massachusetts will host the 2019 World Barista Championship and World Brewers Cup from the 11th till the 14th April.

Berlin, Germany will host the 2019 World Latte Art Championship, World Cup Tasters Championship, World Coffee In Good Spirits Championship and the Cezve/ Ibrik Championship from the 8th till the 10th June.

This news follows the decision by the SCA to review its location selection criteria. Last year the World Brewers Cup, World Cup Tasters Championship and World Coffee Roasting Championship were initially planned to be hosted in Dubai, but after a backlash from the wider coffee community the events were moved to Brazil.

Dubai, which is part of the United Arab Emirates, is criticised for its controversial laws which make transgender identity and homosexuality against the law.

An online petition gaining 581 supporters and multiple complaints from the coffee community forced the SCA to change the location of their 2018 events. The 2019 locations have been chosen making sure they adhere to the SCA Code of Conduct stating: “a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, violent behaviour, and sexually offensive behaviour or actions.

This includes, but it not limited to: harassment toward another individual on the basis of gender, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, religion, creed, race, colour, national origin, medical condition, genetic disorder, physical or mental disability, marital status, age or sexual orientation.”

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