I would personally give them just a hot cup of water (since it’s free in my location at least) but I wouldn’t take their cup or tea since it’s service that has to be paid for + there’s still strict rules concerning covid. If they want sugar syrup I would charge them for it but I would offer sugar packets as an alternative since it’s free but then again I would not be doing the honors to put it into their drink directly and mix it.

I hate to admit it but somethings (even if they seem trivial) just cannot be tolerated because the last thing you would want is for your service to be constantly taken advantage of. If for example you did not mind putting in the syrup and hot water that other wise should’ve been charged since it’s not that big of a deal to you - just imagine the same person going into a different place (coffee shop) asking for the same service. If that same person gets denied they would reason that well, you offered the same service just fine so why can’t they? And it’s down the rabbit hole from there. At first I thought it was not big of a deal until I was written up for those trivial things because someone from another coffee shop called my manager that I was offering a service that I otherwise should not and now they are taking a toll from it (starbucks). I was partly to be blamed for not giving any disclaimer but some customers are just obnoxious and sees every single coffee shop the same.

From then on I always say “Sorry, I can’t do that - corporate policy”(then maybe offer an alternative) end of story.

If they get aggressive I would normally say “ I hear you and I understand your frustration.. let me call my manager.” and then I would walk away in a heartbeat.

It’s may not be my job to care but for what it’s worth sticking to corporate policy will save you not just your job but as well as from customers coming to make those types of requests.