Additional Coverage:
- Starbucks is changing its free water and bathroom policies. Store workers say that might be tough to enforce. (newsbreak.com)
Local Starbucks stores are rolling out new “Coffeehouse Code of Conduct” guidelines, requiring customers to make a purchase to use the restroom or receive free water. This reverses a 2018 policy change that allowed anyone to use these amenities.
Three-hour meetings have been held with employees, known as “partners,” to explain the changes. Some managers believe the new rules will help address disruptive behavior in stores.
However, other employees doubt the policy’s enforceability. One Florida barista anticipates staff will continue providing free water to avoid confrontations.
Starbucks’ corporate office emphasizes training partners to create a positive customer experience, focusing on kindness and respect. De-escalation tactics were provided to employees in case of customer pushback regarding the new policy.
Employees have been instructed not to follow customers who violate the policy. This mirrors existing policies regarding shoplifting, where partners are told not to intervene directly.
While some employees support the change, practical challenges remain. One Southern barista noted a lack of bathroom locks makes enforcement difficult. Signage indicating “Customers Only” will be implemented.
The new policy seemingly clashes with CEO Brian Niccol’s vision of creating inviting spaces where customers linger. One Florida employee expressed concern that restricting access to basic amenities contradicts this goal.