LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Starbucks is drawing a line in the coffee foam: Starting January 27, only paying customers will be allowed to enjoy its cafes or restrooms. The decision reverses the company’s 2018 open-door policy and comes with a new code of conduct banning drug use, panhandling, outside alcohol, and disruptive behavior.
The open-door policy was implemented after public backlash in 2018 when two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks for not making a purchase, according to Forbes. The incident led the company to promise more inclusivity in its spaces.
The updated policy, however, now prioritizes paying customers and aims to address safety concerns and operational challenges.
“By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone,” Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson told CBS News.
The decision also follows the closure of 16 U.S. stores in 2022 due to safety issues, including drug use and disruptive behavior. Michigan Starbucks locations were not part of these closures.
To sweeten the deal, Starbucks’ new policy will include free refills of hot or iced coffee for customers drinking in-store, as long as their orders are placed “for here” and served in ceramic mugs or personal cups.
The policy shift comes under the leadership of CEO Brian Niccol, formerly of Chipotle, who is intent on turning Starbucks back into the “community coffeehouse” it was once marketed to be.
Niccol stressed the importance of creating “inviting places to linger” to CBS News, though the fine print now reads: only for paying customers.
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