Starbucks Ends Open Door Policy

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If you need to use the bathroom, don’t stop past Starbucks unless you plan on making a purchase! Starbucks has decided to end their open door policy in an effort to improve Starbucks’ café experience, which is aimed reportedly at homeless people and non-paying customers who come to use Starbucks for shelter and bathroom access only. Now if you go to the café you will need to first make a purchase before using the bathroom and or lounging. Additional changes include a ban on panhandling, discrimination, consuming outside alcohol and vaping.

On the Starbucks page they laid out the new code of conduct saying,

Starbucks spaces are for use by our partners and customers – this includes our cafes, patios and restrooms.

Our goal is to create a welcoming environment. We expect everyone to treat one another with respect and follow our code of conduct:

• No misuse or disruption of our spaces
• No discrimination or harassment
• No violence or abusive/threatening language
• No consuming outside alcohol
• No smoking/vaping or drug use
• No panhandling

Starbucks spokesperson in a statement,

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.”

Check out the full policy HERE