Starbucks’ new policy: Buy something or get out

Starbucks has announced a major policy change, requiring customers to buy something if they wish to stay in its stores or use restrooms. The new rules, which Starbucks says will be posted in all company-owned stores in North America, also aim to prevent disruptive behavior and ensure safety for staff and paying customers.

The Associated Press reports that the change reverses the company’s 2018 open-door policy, which was implemented following backlash over the arrest of two Black men at a Philadelphia store. Starbucks says the updated code of conduct is part of its effort to create a more comfortable environment for everyone.

What is Starbucks' new buy-something policy?

What we know:

Starbucks’ updated policy requires customers to make a purchase if they wish to remain in the store or use its facilities. It also prohibits smoking, vaping, drug use, panhandling, and bringing outside alcohol into stores.

The company says violators of the policy will be asked to leave, and law enforcement may be called if necessary. To help enforce the rules, Starbucks employees will receive training on the new policy.

What we don't know:

It’s unclear how strictly Starbucks plans to enforce the new rules or what specific scenarios might prompt law enforcement involvement. Starbucks has not detailed how employees will be trained to handle challenging situations or potential pushback from customers.

What they're saying:

"We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores," said Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson. "By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone."

Anderson also noted that the changes align with policies already in place at many other retailers.

FILE - Customers sit outside a Starbucks coffee store. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

Starbucks clarified that the new Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is not intended to exclude anyone but to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for all customers.

"We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores. Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers already have and is a practical step that helps us prioritize our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit. This means our cafes, patios, and restrooms are for customers and partners. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone. These updates are part of a broader set of changes we are making to enhance the cafe experience as we work to get back to Starbucks," the company said in a statement.

Why did Starbucks reverse its open-door policy?

The backstory:

Starbucks introduced its open-door policy in 2018 after a high-profile incident in which two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia location while waiting for a business meeting. The incident, caught on video, sparked widespread criticism and prompted then-Chairman Howard Schultz to implement the policy to make stores more inclusive.

However, the policy led to safety concerns for employees, with reports of drug use and other disruptive behaviors. In 2022, Starbucks closed 16 stores in response to repeated safety issues, citing incidents that endangered staff and customers.

The Source: This story is based on reporting by the Associated Press, with additional context from Starbucks’ official statements.

Consumer