• Starbucks is reversing its open-door policy that allows non-paying guests to sit around or use the restroom.
• This means you must make a purchase – or accompany someone who does – to use the Starbucks facilities.
• The chain told BI that the change was made to give priority to paying customers.

You have to buy a cup of coffee to sit around at Starbucks or use the restrooms.

The coffee chain announced Monday that it was reversing its open-door policy, which does not allow paying guests to use its restrooms or stay in its stores. It will now reserve its cafes, terraces and toilets for its customers and employees.

“Implementing a coffeehouse code of conduct is something most retailers already have in place and is a practical step that will help us prioritize our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy in our cafes or need to use the toilet during their visit “Said Starbucks representative Jaci Anderson,” BI said in an emailed statement.

Anderson said the change will take effect Jan. 27 in all North American stores. She clarified that a customer is anyone who makes a purchase or accompanies someone while making a purchase.

She also shared a company memo saying that signs detailing the new code of conduct will be posted in every store, making it “clear that our spaces, including our cafes, terraces and toilets, are for the use of paying customers and our partners.” are determined.”

Anderson said his employees are trained to enforce the code of conduct and ask anyone who violates it to leave the company. She said they can also receive assistance from local law enforcement if the situation warrants it.

The change reverses the company’s open-door policy, which it implemented in 2018 after a controversy at one of its Philadelphia stores.

Two black men who had been sitting in the store were arrested after one of them asked to use the restroom. He hadn’t bought a drink and was refused entry by store staff, who called the police.

The reversal of the open-door policy came after CEO Brian Niccol announced his vision in September to make the chain a third place to stay.

“Our stores will be places to linger, with comfortable seating, thoughtful design and a clear distinction between to-go and for-here service,” he said in an open letter in September.