Starbucks doesn’t want to be America’s public bathroom anymore. Why has the company ended ‘open-door’ policies?

Starbucks announced on Monday that it is reversing its open-door policy, which previously allowed anyone to enter its stores, regardless of whether they made a purchase. The coffee chain will now require customers to buy something if they wish to hang out or use the restroom in its North American stores.

The company has introduced a new code of conduct that will be posted in all company-owned stores across the North America. The code also prohibits discrimination, harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling on the premises.

Starbucks doesn’t want to be America’s public bathroom anymore. Why has Starbucks reversed its 'open-door' policy?


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Here are ten things you need to know:

-Starbucks is scrapping a policy that had let anyone hang out at its cafes or use the restrooms without making a purchase.

-According to a report in CNN, the new rules are part of a larger effort to improve Starbucks' cafe experience and deter homeless people and non-paying customers who come to use Starbucks solely for shelter and bathroom access- but now the policy has been reversed.

-While some people have crticised the decision, others have appreciated it calling it a smart business move. "Most predictable decision ever. You can’t run a business by supplying free internet to non-customers who occupy tables meant for actual customers," said a man identified as Joe 2.0 (@joe4deadcat) on X.

-The new code of conduct is part of CEO Brian Niccol’s strategy to lure back customers, boost sagging sales and improve worker relations, as per a CNN report. It applies to all locations in North America and will be displayed on store doors.

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-The code of conduct also warned that those who violate the rules will be asked to leave, and the store may involve law enforcement if necessary. Starbucks has announced that its employees will receive training on enforcing the new policy.

-The changes are a “practical step that helps us prioritize our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit,” said a Starbucks spokesperson in a statement. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”

-Other changes include a ban on panhandling, discrimination, consuming outside alcohol and vaping, according to the policy posted online.

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-Starbucks is also trying to incentivize customers to stay in its cafes instead of ordering to-go by giving perks for in-store orders, according to reports. All customers can get one free hot or iced coffee refill served in its ceramic mugs or reusable glasses from January 27.

-This policy change comes after Starbucks implemented an open-door policy in 2018 following an incident in Philadelphia where two Black men were arrested while waiting for a business meeting without making a purchase. The arrest caused a big embarrassment to the company.

-Since then, Starbucks employees and customers have faced challenges with unruly and dangerous behavior in stores. In 2022, the company closed 16 locations across the country, including six in Los Angeles and six in Seattle, due to repeated safety issues such as drug use and other disruptive behaviours that threatened staff.