Starbucks Ditches Open Restroom Policy

SEATTLE, WA – Starbucks doesn’t want to be a restroom pit stop anymore.

Starbucks announced on Monday, January 13, that it will reverse its policy of allowing customers to use restrooms and other store facilities without making a purchase. The change will take effect on January 27 within the company’s 11,000 cafes across North America.

The move is just one of the first significant policy changes under new CEO Brian Niccol, who is working to address the sluggish Q4 sales and improve the brand's image. The company’s new code of conduct notes that Starbucks spaces, including cafes, patios, and restrooms, are for use by both customers and employees.

“Starbucks spaces are for use by our partners and customers -- this includes our cafes, patios, and restrooms,” the new policy reads.

The policy change reverses a 2018 decision that allowed anyone, regardless of purchasing a product, was able to use the facilities after two Black men were arrested at a Starbucks in Philadelphia.

The incident led to accusations of racial discrimination, which caused the company to rethink its practices. At the time, Starbucks announced that it would allow individuals to stay in stores without making a purchase, but it is now reversing that decision.

The updated policy will go into effect next week and include some additional rules to create a more “controlled environment.”

Smoking, vaping, begging, and aggressive behavior such as violence, harassment, and the use of drugs or alcohol will no longer be tolerated at any cafe.

The company also plans to post signs banning discrimination, harassment, and abusive language in all locations.