For some people, Starbucks is a place to grab a table, whip out a book or laptop, put on some headphones, and chill for a bit. Personally, I’d prefer to support my local coffee shop that supports causes I align with, but I don’t want to go down that road. For years, Starbucks has maintained an open-door policy that allows people to come in and hang out without having to make a purchase. This has been especially helpful to those who are underhoused and may need a reprieve from the elements or to use the restroom. Now, Starbucks is reversing its open-door policy and requiring people to make a purchase if they want to stay in its coffee shops and/or use the bathroom.
CBS reports that Starbucks made the announcement recently along with a new code of conduct for all of its North American stores. It will ban discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling. It seems those things would have already been banned at stores but perhaps it wasn’t formalized in this way. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson says the new rule that gets rid of the company’s open-door policy helps to prioritize paying customers.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”
Those who violate the new Starbucks rules could find themselves getting arrested for doing so. It remains to be seen what the reactions and potential backlash for this new policy will be.
