Starbucks Tightens Policy on Store Access, Reversing 2018 Open-Door Rule

[Social Media]

 

Starbucks has announced a significant shift in its store policy, reversing a six-year-old open-door approach that allowed anyone to use its facilities without making a purchase. The updated rules, revealed on January 13, prioritize paying customers and aim to create a safer and more comfortable environment within its North American locations.  

 

The new code of conduct, set to be posted in all company-owned stores, prohibits individuals from using restrooms or loitering without making a purchase. Violators will be asked to leave, and in some cases, law enforcement may be contacted. Starbucks employees will undergo training to enforce these new guidelines effectively.  

 

In addition to limiting access to non-paying visitors, the updated policy includes a ban on discrimination, harassment, smoking, vaping, outside alcohol consumption, drug use, and panhandling. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson emphasized that these changes align with the practices of most other retailers. “We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson stated. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”  

 

This policy marks a departure from the company’s 2018 decision to allow unrestricted public access to its stores. That change was implemented following a widely publicized incident in Philadelphia, where two Black men were arrested while waiting for a business meeting at a Starbucks. They had not made a purchase, and the store’s policy at the time required non-paying visitors to leave. The incident, captured on video, sparked national outrage and led to apologies from Starbucks and its then-chairman, Howard Schultz.  

 

Reflecting on the 2018 decision, Schultz had said, “We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key.” Despite the intention to foster inclusivity, the open-door policy introduced challenges, including reports of disruptive and unsafe behavior in some stores.  

 

The current CEO, Brian Niccol, has expressed a commitment to revitalizing Starbucks as a welcoming and functional space for customers. In an open letter, Niccol noted a “shared sense that we have drifted from our core” during discussions with employees and customers. He emphasized the importance of restoring Starbucks as a gathering place while improving operational efficiency, particularly during high-traffic periods like the morning rush.  

 

This policy update underscores Starbucks’ efforts to balance inclusivity with the needs of its paying customers and employees, signaling a new chapter for the iconic coffee brand.

 

Based on a report by The Independent 2024-01-16

 

 

[georgegeorgia]

Absolutely wrong

The homeless people have no where to wash or go to the toilet 

I hope SB reconsider 

[NanLaew]

22 minutes ago, georgegeorgia said:

Absolutely wrong

The homeless people have no where to wash or go to the toilet 

I hope SB reconsider 

 

Totally agree. This is nothing less than despicable discrimination!

 

Only in North America but.

 

29 minutes ago, Social Media said:

The updated rules, revealed on January 13, prioritize paying customers and aim to create a safer and more comfortable environment within its North American locations.  

 

[scottiejohn]

3 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Absolutely wrong

The homeless people have no where to wash or go to the toilet 

I hope SB reconsider 

So you think that every shop everywhere should open its doors to everyone and let the "homeless doss down on the shop floors to the detriment of legit shoppers!

Should they also provide free showers and towels?

Where does your largesse stop?

 

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, scottiejohn said:

So you think that every shop everywhere should open its doors to everyone and let the "homeless doss down on the shop floors to the detriment of legit shoppers!

Should they also provide free showers and towels?

Where does your largesse stop?

 

Shops everywhere do open their doors.

 

Good luck policing who comes through them.

 

Now if Starbucks want to get behind calls for town/city authorities to provide public toilets, that would be a positive move.

 

 

[JonnyF]

It was a stupid policy that was bound to backfire. What did they think was going to happen? So you spend 10 dollars on a coffee and then there's nowhere to sit because some cheap charlie who walked in off the street has been sat there for 5 hours doing Zoom calls. 

 

Reminds me of the lefty theatre that signalled it's virtue recently by holding a free show "the needy" only for them to refuse to leave, set up camp and now they're going bankrupt. The mugs. 😄

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14282399/French-theatre-bankruptcy-250-African-migrants-refused-leave-remain-building.html

 

[JonnyF]

5 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Absolutely wrong

The homeless people have no where to wash or go to the toilet 

I hope SB reconsider 

 

Starbucks are not a charity.

 

And I'd imagine many customers would not be thrilled sharing a toilet with some bum who has gone in there to find a nice warm spot to shoot up. 

[Ralf001]

3 hours ago, scottiejohn said:

So you think that every shop everywhere should open its doors to everyone and let the "homeless doss down on the shop floors to the detriment of legit shoppers!

Should they also provide free showers and towels?

 

 

Absolutely, yes.

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

Starbucks are not a charity.

 

And I'd imagine many customers would not be thrilled sharing a toilet with some bum who has gone in there to find a nice warm spot to shoot up. 

They do provide individual cubicles Jonny.