Starbucks Done With Open-Door Policy, Buy Something Or Leave

India-West News Desk

SEATTLE, WA – Starbucks is ending its open-door policy after nearly seven years, now requiring customers to make a purchase to stay in the store or use restrooms. The change, announced on January 15, is part of a revised code of conduct that will be displayed in all company-owned stores across North America. The updated guidelines also prohibit harassment, smoking, vaping, drug use, alcohol consumption, and panhandling within Starbucks locations.

This marks a significant departure from the open-door policy introduced in 2018 following a controversial incident in Philadelphia. At that time, two Black men were arrested while waiting for a business meeting at a Starbucks without making a purchase. The incident sparked national outrage, prompting Starbucks to adopt a more inclusive approach that allowed non-paying visitors to use the premises.

The new policy seeks to balance inclusivity with the need to provide a comfortable environment for paying customers. Under the leadership of CEO Brian Niccol, who joined Starbucks from Chipotle, the company aims to create a “community coffeehouse” atmosphere where customers feel welcome but clear behavior expectations are set.

Acknowledging that some visitors may need to use restrooms or access Wi-Fi before making a purchase, Starbucks emphasized that the new code of conduct is designed to encourage spending while maintaining flexibility. Violators of the policy will be asked to leave, and employees will be trained to call police in cases of non-compliance.

Since the pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in challenges such as mental health issues, substance misuse, and homelessness, leading to a more complex store environment and Starbucks has had to close several stores over safety concerns.