"If you don't order, you can't use the bathroom".Starbucks changes policy to safety concerns

ⓒYTN

Starbucks, a U.S. coffee franchise, has decided to abolish its store opening policy, which has been maintained for the past seven years, and to open its toilets only to customers who order.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 13th (local time), Starbucks will implement a new code of conduct at about 11,000 Starbucks stores in North America from the 27th.

The new code includes in-store bullying, violence, threatening words and actions, bringing in outside drinks, and smoking. Along with the policy of not being able to use the store without ordering, it also included that those who do not follow the policy can request eviction. In addition, free drinking water will also be available only to customers who order it in the future.

Sarah Trilling, president of Starbucks North America, said executives and employees are concerned about Starbucks' policy to open up, adding, "We need to reset our expectations for store utilization and users."

Earlier in 2018, employees reported two black customers asking if they could use the bathroom at a Starbucks store in Philadelphia in the eastern U.S. and arrested them. As a result of the controversy over racism and protests, Starbucks announced a policy that stores and toilets can be used regardless of orders.

The newly changed regulation reverses the open policy that has been in place for the past seven years.

The abolition of the open policy has been steadily considered over the past few years. In June 2022, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said, "I don't know if we can continue to open the bathroom (to everyone)," referring to store safety concerns.

In particular, 16 Starbucks stores in the U.S. were closed in 2022 due to safety concerns, such as drug addicts causing problems at Starbucks stores.