Skip to Content

11 Strict Rules Starbucks Workers Have to Follow

From the color of their shoes to the shade of their denim, there are several important rules that Starbucks employees must follow.

By
jimmy carr launches new stronger british latte at starbucks
Stuart C. Wilson//Getty Images

No matter where you are in the world, every Starbucks feels familiar. While some of that is due to the standardized drinks and staff uniforms and decor, it is also due to consistency in company policy. Starbucks workers have a number of guidelines to which they must adhere, and some of them are very specific, to say the least. At the popular coffee chain, every detail matters. The next time you find yourself in line at Starbucks waiting to order your favorite drink, think about all of the super strict guidelines the workers have to follow to keep the cafes running smoothly.

1

No Light Wash Denim

heap of jeans before laundry
RuslanDashinsky//Getty Images

While Starbucks employees are permitted to wear jeans, only dark or black washes are permissible. Employees can wear other types of pants, so long as they are black, navy, grey, or brown.

2

No White Shoes

the girl's feet are in new white sneakers and jeans, one lace is untied a woman in athletic shoes is walking on the sidewalk fashionable and stylish lifestyle
Aleksandr Zubkov//Getty Images

Starbucks has very strict guidelines when it comes to footwear. White shoes, mesh shoes ,and canvas shoes are a no-go. Even socks must follow the Starbucks guidelines, which require solids or simple patterns.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Cover Up Tattoos & Piercings

tattoo artist at work
Helen King//Getty Images

Employees are not allowed to have any visible tattoos on the throat or face, and any other tattoo that showcases questionable images must be covered at all times. They must also limit jewelry to two earrings per ear, nose studs, and one plain wedding band. That means they must also leave their engagement rings at home.

4

No Nail Polish or Perfume

chipped nail polish
Photo by Mary Ann Lacy Bridant//Getty Images

Starbucks takes cleanliness to the next level, which is reassuring for customers, but potentially a bummer for employees. Starbucks workers are not permitted to wear nail polish, perfumes, or any other types of fragrant products that have the potential to chip off into the food or compromise the customer experience in any way.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

No Temporary Hair Changes

rainbow colored wig detail
Melinda Podor//Getty Images

While Starbucks is perfectly accepting of any type of hair color, the company does require employees to choose permanent options to ensure food safety. Temporary hair dye and other temporary hair changes are not permitted. These types of products include hair chalk, hair glitter, or any sort of color hairsprays.

6

They Can't Ask You To Leave

patrons talk outside a starbucks store 2
MANDEL NGAN//Getty Images

Even if you don’t purchase a single item, Starbucks workers are not allowed to ask you to leave the cafe. Customers are allowed to sit in the cafe as long as they’d like, so long as they don’t pose a threat to the safety of themselves or others. Even in that scenario, employees are required to call the police and may not ask the customer to leave.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Don't Rush The Barista

starbucks coffee emerges as largest food chain in manhattan
Stephen Chernin//Getty Images

Company guidelines mandate that Starbucks workers may not make more than two drinks at a time. Furthermore, they may only begin making drink number two when drink number one is nearly complete.

8

They Must Steam Milk Separately

usa food starbucks introduces low calorie products
Ramin Talaie//Getty Images

Even if you order four of the exact same latte, Starbucks workers must steam the milk for each drink separately. This ensures that each and every drink is perfectly handcrafted and made to order.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

They Have To Let You To Use The Restroom

nts launches first tax audit of starbucks korea
Chung Sung-Jun//Getty Images

Even if a customer doesn’t purchase a single item, Starbucks workers must allow them to use the restroom. If a bathroom is locked, a customer can request the code and the Starbucks worker will provide it.

10

They Must Adhere to Opening and Closing Times

las vegas
Robert Alexander//Getty Images

No matter how badly a customer is hoping to score a specific spot at the cafe or grab their drink early, they’re out of luck. Starbucks workers are not allowed to deviate from each cafe’s specified hours, not even by a few minutes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

They Must Shake Cold Drinks Ten Times

starbucks to eliminate plastic straws by 2020
Joe Raedle//Getty Images

Every drink is made to order and based on a very specific recipe, which ensures you get exactly what you’re craving every single time. Mixed drinks, like Refreshers, are even more specific, requiring that Starbucks workers shake them exactly ten times for optimum mixing.

Watch Next 
preview for Restaurants & Chefs
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below