Starbucks has just announced plans to make some stern changes to its cafes beginning the end of this month and customers have a lot to say about the shift. According to an announcement made on the coffee shop's website, they're introducing a new "Coffeehouse Code of Conduct" that will ultimately put an end to Starbucks' open-door policy.
The announcement notes that the code of conduct was "designed to provide clarity that our spaces—including our cafes, patios and restrooms—are for use by customers and partners."
A message from Starbucks that dates back to August 2020 tells a different story. In it, the company details its "third place" policy and the desire to create "a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome."
The new Code of Conduct goes on to note that bad behavior, including discrimination or harassment, violence or abusive/threatening language, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking/vaping or drug use, and panhandling will not be allowed. Those who do not abide by the code of conduct and refuse to leave could face law enforcement.
Additionally, an alleged memo from Starbucks that was shared on Reddit notes that non-paying customers will no longer be able to receive free water.
"Free water is restricted to a person making a purchase in our store and those accompanying them," the memo reads.
On social media, thoughts on the new code of conduct are varied, with some customers wondering what took so long and others concerned about the potential for discrimination.
"Makes sense. Otherwise homeless will camp out in there," said one person on X (formerly Twitter).
"That's good. If you go to a coffee shop or restaurant, you should purchase something if you are going to sit there," read a similar comment. But not everyone sees it this way.
"This is the question: What problem are they trying to solve and who are they profiling?" asked one person. "This is a tough situation...However, when my wife and I talk a walk, nowadays, at our age when we need a restroom it is NOW. So this now becomes an age discrimination issue,"
Another described the current atmosphere of Starbucks as "hostile," adding that the company "doesn’t even let people who are actually buying things sit inside or use the bathroom anymore… it used to be a vibe to do work there but now it’s just unnecessarily hostile, so i will never buy from there again."
While customers are on the fence about the new policy, baristas seem to all be sharing the same emotion: frustration.
"I dislike this because why on earth would I deny people water or bathroom privileges????? Rip Third place," read one comment on Reddit. "Oh my god it’s gonna be so annoying telling customers who ask for only water that they have to pay. They’re gonna throw a fit," another barista wrote.
One person pointed out that Starbucks might have an issue defining what exactly community is: "Days after Starbucks managers tell workers they need to come in during climate emergencies because 'the community depends on us,' the company is now about to make sure 'the community' cannot use the bathroom or ask for free water," they wrote.
There's also concern about the future of pup cups if nonpaying customers can no longer receive free water."And what about pup cups? We have a local homeless man who comes in everyday for two pup cups for his companion. Like these are basic tiny things that can make or break someone’s day, who is this helping at the end of the day?" one person asked.
In a statement to Delish, a representative for Starbucks confirmed that the coffee shop's ultimate goal is to create "a better environment" all around.
"By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone. These updates are part of a broader set of changes we are making to enhance the cafe experience as we work to get back to Starbucks," the rep shared.
They added that customers are welcome to request a free water alongside their purchase.
