Starbucks says people using its coffee shops must buy something | Starbucks

Starbucks has said people using its coffee shops in North America have to make a purchase, ending a policy that allowed anyone to use its toilets even if they hadn’t made a purchase.

The world’s largest coffee chain published a new code of conduct this week that says “Starbucks spaces are for the use of our partners and customers – this includes our cafes, terraces and toilets”.

The policy of allowing people to use Starbucks restrooms without making a purchase was instituted in 2018 following the arrest of two black men at a branch in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Starbucks was accused by the city’s mayor of actions that appeared to “exemplify what racial discrimination looks like in 2018”. The company temporarily closed all of its stores to conduct racial sensitivity training.

The new policy is being introduced as Brian Niccol, chief executive since September, tries to turn around his performance. The company, which has 36,000 outlets in 84 countries, reported falling global sales and profits in October and vowed to cut back on its “overly complex menu” to try to lure customers back with more affordable drinks.

The policy will take effect starting Jan. 27 in its more than 11,000 North American stores, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the change in rules.

The code of conduct also said there should be “no abuse or disturbance of our space”, no harassment or threatening language, no consumption of alcohol brought from elsewhere, and no smoking, vaping or begging.

Starbucks’ change of heart on free access to restrooms for non-customers is likely to be seen as a blow to the disabled and others, such as pregnant women, who often have to rely on restrooms provided by private businesses when shopping.

However, Niccol said in October that it wanted to create “that community center experience where people want to be in Starbucks, spend time in Starbucks” as part of its growth plans.

The company is extending free refills of hot or iced coffee to all customers who purchase a drink. Customers tend to buy more if they stay longer.

Growing sales will be crucial for Niccol to justify his appointment as chief executive, as he has one of the biggest welcome pay packages in the company’s history. His salary could be worth up to $113 million after he agreed to leave his job as CEO of the Chipotle restaurant chain.

Niccol also sparked controversy by striking a deal to commute from its home in Newport Beach, Calif., to its headquarters in Seattle on a private jet, with significant associated carbon emissions, rather than relocate. Starbucks has said it wants to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 compared to 2019.

Starbucks has been contacted for comment.