Starbucks Revises Policy on Sitting and Toilet Access Without Purchase | Money News
Starbucks has changed its North American policy, now requiring customers to make a purchase in order to sit in stores or use the restroom.
Visitors in the US and Canada must order something or vacate the premises.
Starbucks has not commented on how this policy shift may affect its locations in the UK.
Sky News inquired about any existing code of conduct in UK cafes, whether a purchase is mandatory, and if there are plans to update such policies.
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The coffee giant, based in Seattle, released a new code of conduct for its North American outlets aimed at “prioritizing our spaces for our customers.”
Those who fail to comply with the guidelines may be asked to leave, with law enforcement potentially involved.
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Prohibited actions include “misuse or disruption of our spaces,” as well as vaping, smoking, harassment, begging, and consuming outside alcohol.
“Establishing clear expectations for behavior and the use of our spaces allows us to foster a better environment for everyone,” stated a Starbucks representative.
A shift from an open-door policy
This marks a significant change from guidelines introduced in 2018 after two black men were arrested in a Philadelphia Starbucks while waiting for a business meeting. The shop enforced a policy requiring non-paying customers to leave and called the police on the men, leading to widespread backlash.
In response, the company sought to implement a more welcoming open-door policy.
Starbucks’ then-chairman Howard Schultz emphasized, “We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re committed to making the right decisions consistently.”
This reversal comes as Starbucks faces declining sales amid ongoing pro-Palestine boycotts.
Earlier this summer, the company suddenly replaced its CEO after experiencing a steeper-than-expected decline in sales.
The new CEO, Brian Niccol, was provided with a corporate jet for his 1,000-mile commute from Newport Beach, California, to Seattle, Washington.
