Starbucks has announced a new policy requiring customers to make a purchase to use the restroom, aiming to prioritize paying customers.
Philadelphia: So, Starbucks is changing things up. Now, if you want to use their bathroom, you’ve got to buy something first. This new rule is part of a fresh approach from their new CEO, Brian Niccol.
They’re rolling out a new code of conduct across all company-owned stores in North America. This means no more open-door policy like they had before. The new rules also ban things like smoking, drug use, and panhandling inside the stores.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson mentioned that these changes are meant to focus on paying customers. She pointed out that many other retailers already have similar policies in place.
This shift comes after a pretty embarrassing incident back in 2018 when two black men were arrested at a Starbucks in Philadelphia for not buying anything while waiting for a business meeting. The company had to rethink its approach after that.
Anderson said they want everyone to feel welcome, but they also need to set clear expectations for behavior. If someone breaks the rules, they might be asked to leave, and the store could even call the police if needed.
Since then, Starbucks has faced issues with unruly behavior in some stores. In 2022, they closed 16 locations due to safety concerns, including drug use and other disruptive actions.
With these new rules, Niccol hopes to bring back that cozy coffeehouse vibe Starbucks used to have, before things got a bit chaotic with drive-thrus and mobile orders.
