Starbucks has announced a shift in its policy regarding customer access to its coffee shops and restrooms, requiring customers to make a purchase if they want to spend time in the stores. This new code of conduct, which will be implemented across all company-owned locations in North America, also prohibits behaviors such as discrimination, harassment, the consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling.
This change marks a reversal of the open-door policy initiated after a controversial incident in 2018, where two Black men were arrested for sitting in a Philadelphia branch while waiting for a business meeting. The backlash from this incident prompted the company to adopt more inclusive access policies. However, under the new leadership of Brian Niccol, who previously served as CEO of Chipotle, Starbucks aims to establish a more controlled environment that prioritizes paying customers while still striving to be an inviting community space.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson emphasized that the intention behind the new rules is to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for customers, pointing out that many other retail establishments already have similar policies in place. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces,” Anderson stated, “we can create a better environment for everyone.”
As part of the new code, those who violate the rules could be asked to leave the premises, and in extreme cases, law enforcement may be contacted. Staff will undergo training on how to enforce this new policy effectively.
The decision to revise the open-door policy comes after Starbucks experienced various safety challenges within its stores, types of behavior that have reportedly escalated since the onset of the pandemic. Several outlets across the nation have closed due to recurring safety issues, highlighting the need for a more secure environment for both employees and customers.
Starbucks’ commitment to creating a space that feels welcoming to its patrons, while maintaining a high standard of safety and civility, reflects the evolving dynamics of society and the hospitality industry. As they move forward with these changes, it hopes to strike a balance that acknowledges the complexities of communal coffeehouse spaces in today’s world.
This proactive approach represents an opportunity for Starbucks to reinforce its brand and community ties, potentially bringing back customers eager to enjoy their coffee in a safe and pleasant environment.