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Starbucks Reverses Open-Door Policy in North America, Requires Purchase Under Brian Niccol's Leadership

Jan 14, 2025, 12:30 AM

Starbucks Corp. has announced a reversal of its open-door policy, requiring customers to make a purchase to hang out or use the restroom at its stores in North America. The new policy, effective immediately, includes a code of conduct that will be posted in all company-owned North American stores. This code also prohibits discrimination, harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson stated that the new rules aim to prioritize paying customers, noting that similar policies are common among other retailers. The policy shift reverses a 2018 decision made in response to an incident where two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks for not making a purchase. The new rules are part of a broader strategy by Starbucks' new Chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, to address sagging sales and recapture the community coffeehouse atmosphere.