January 14, (THEWILL) – American coffeehouse and roastery reserve, Starbucks, says it now requires customers in North America to purchase if they wish to stay in their stores or use any of its restrooms.
Effective immediately, a notice also announced other policies including a ban on panhandling, discrimination, consuming outside alcohol, and vaping.
The policy shift comes after almost seven years of the open-door rule, which allowed anyone to access the stores’ facilities without needing to buy anything.
The move is part of the brand’s new code of conduct.
It aims to address various concerns and re-establish Starbucks as a comfortable space for paying customers, the brand claims.
The changes are 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.
“By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone,” a Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement.
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