new york
CNN
—
Starbucks no longer wants to be America’s public restroom.
Starbucks is eliminating a policy that allowed people to hang out in its cafes and use its restrooms without making a purchase. The new rules are part of a larger effort to improve the Starbucks cafe experience and deter homeless people and free money customers who use Starbucks solely to access shelter and restrooms. , these rules overturn policies put in place after the Starbucks cafe experience. The biggest PR disaster in the company’s history.
The new code of conduct, unveiled to stores on Monday, is part of CEO Brian Nicol’s strategy to bring back customers, boost sluggish sales and improve relationships with employees. This applies to all North American locations and will be displayed on store doors.
A Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement that the changes are “a pragmatic step to prioritize paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or use the restroom during their visit.” “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of space, you can create a better environment for everyone.”
Other changes include banning panhandling, discrimination, outdoor alcohol consumption and e-cigarettes, according to the policy posted online. Employees will receive training on the new policy.
Starbucks is also trying to encourage customers to stay in its cafes instead of ordering to-go by offering perks for in-store orders. Starting January 27, all customers will receive one free refill of hot or iced coffee, served in a ceramic mug or reusable glass. Previously, this benefit was only available to members of Starbucks’ loyalty program.
Starbucks’ move reverses the on-and-off relationship of providing restroom access to the public.
Access to restrooms has been restricted as many U.S. cities and suburbs lack adequate public access to restrooms. That left private companies like Starbucks, McDonald’s and other chains to fill the void.
By opening its restrooms and cafes to the public, Starbucks was able to establish its brand as a “third place” between work and home, attracting potential customers. However, this policy created challenges for both employees and customers.
The open-door policy began in 2018 after two black men were arrested while waiting for a friend at a Philadelphia store. One of the men said he asked to use the restroom as soon as he entered and was told it was only for paying customers. The incident was caught on camera and became a PR disaster for Starbucks.
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz says Starbucks may not be able to keep its bathrooms open by 2022 due to rising mental health issues that threaten employees and customers. said. That same year, Starbucks closed more than a dozen stores, mostly downtown, citing safety concerns.
Historian Bryant Simon said: “This is another example of the complications caused by the lack of public restrooms in the United States and Starbucks’ reversal of policy. “While we sometimes benefit from scarcity, we are hurt by the same things.” from Temple University has written a book about Starbucks and is currently writing a book about public restrooms in the United States.
