Starbucks is reversing one of its older policies, the open-door policy, which allowed people to use its facilities without making a purchase. On Monday, the coffee chain announced that its new code of conduct will put an end to the previous policy, as per AP News. This will require an individual to purchase if they wish to sit at the store or use the restroom. The change will be posted across all establishments in North America to ban discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and other injustices.
Here’s why Starbucks is tweaking their open-door policy
A spokesperson for Starbucks noted that reversing the open-door policy, which they first introduced in 2018, will benefit their customers. Spokesperson Jaci Anderson stated that the brand intends to prioritize their paying customer with the new rules. “We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” said Anderson. The statement further mentioned that the plan is to set “clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces” in order to “create a better environment for everyone.”
Adhering to the new policy, store employees can ask individuals violating the code of conduct to leave. They will also have the freedom to take drastic measures like calling law enforcement, if and when necessary. Moreover, the coffee chain announced it would train employees to impose the new policy. According to CBS News, this change came after Brian Niccol, the new CEO, took over after leaving Chipotle last year. Niccol now aims to revitalize the brand and make its locations “inviting places to linger.”
Starbucks’ reversal of the open-door policy will prohibit individuals from smoking, vaping, using drugs, and panhandling inside the shops. Additionally, it will prevent people from bringing outside alcohol into its establishments, making it a safer and more comfortable environment for paying customers and employees. The previous 2018 policy welcomed everyone into its store allowing them to sit inside or use the facilities.
