Agencies
Peeking into a Starbucks store without actually buying a coffee, only to use the restroom or hang around appears to be part of history.
The coffee chain on Monday said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores. A new code of conduct – which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores – also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.
"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.” The code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to lseave, and says the store may call law enforcement, if necessary. Starbucks said employees would receive training on enforcing the new policy.
The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018 after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting.
The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn’t bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.
At the time, Starbucks Chairperson Howard Schultz said he didn’t want people to feel "less than” if they were refused access.