Starbucks has said that people who use its coffee shops in North America must purchase something, changing a policy that allowed anyone to use its restrooms even if they hadn’t made a purchase.

The world’s largest coffee chain released a new code of conduct this week that says: “Starbucks spaces are available to our partners and customers – this includes our cafes, patios and restrooms.”

The policy of allowing people to use Starbucks restrooms without purchasing was implemented in 2018 following the arrest of two Black men at a store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Starbucks was accused by the city’s mayor of actions that appeared to be “an example of what racial discrimination looks like in 2018.” The company temporarily closed all of its stores to conduct racial sensitivity training.

The new policy comes as Brian Niccol, chief executive since September, attempts to turn things around. The company, which has 36,000 stores in 84 countries, reported falling global sales and profits in October and vowed to trim its “overly complex menu” to try to win back customers with cheaper drinks.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the rule change, the policy will go into effect at its more than 11,000 North American stores starting January 27.

The code of conduct also said there would be “no abuse or disruption of our spaces,” no harassment or threatening language, no consumption of alcohol brought into the home, and no smoking, vaping or begging.

Starbucks’ change of heart on free restroom access for non-customers is likely to be seen as a blow to disabled people and others like pregnant women who often rely on private company restrooms while shopping.

However, Niccol said in October that as part of his growth plans, he wants to “create that community house experience where people want to be in Starbucks and spend time in Starbucks.”

The company is in the process of offering free hot coffee or iced coffee refills to all customers who purchase a beverage. Customers tend to buy more when they stay longer.

Growing sales will be crucial for Niccol to justify his appointment as chief executive, as he enjoys one of the highest welcome salary packages in the company’s history. His salary could be as much as $113 million (£93 million) after he agreed to quit his job as managing director of restaurant chain Chipotle.

Niccol also sparked controversy when, instead of relocating, he agreed to commute from his home in Newport Beach, California, to the headquarters in Seattle by private jet, which entailed significant carbon emissions . Starbucks has announced that it wants to halve its CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2019.

Starbucks has been contacted for comment.