Starbucks has announced a significant policy change, requiring patrons to make a purchase before using restrooms across its more than 11,000 North American locations. This policy will take effect on January 27 and marks a departure from the company's previous stance established in 2018, which allowed individuals to use facilities without any purchase. This revision comes amid efforts by CEO Brian Niccol to revitalize the company's performance following a decline in global sales and profits reported in October.
The change in restroom access policy was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal and is part of a broader strategy to enhance Starbucks' customer experience while addressing operational challenges. As part of these efforts, Starbucks aims to halve its carbon emissions by 2030, compared with 2019 levels. However, the new policy presents potential difficulties for disabled individuals and others who depend on privately provided restroom facilities.
Starbucks has over 36,000 outlets in 84 countries, with more than 11,000 of these situated in North America. The company's attempts to draw customers back include simplifying its "overly complex menu" and offering more affordable drinks. These moves are crucial as CEO Brian Niccol, who joined the company from Chipotle with a pay package worth up to $113 million, focuses on reversing declining sales figures. Niccol's leadership also includes commuting from Newport Beach, California, to Seattle's headquarters via private jet, raising questions about environmental impacts.
The decision to revise the restroom policy traces back to an incident in 2018 when two black men were arrested at a Starbucks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after being denied restroom access. This incident sparked widespread criticism and led to accusations from the city's mayor that Starbucks' actions exemplified racial discrimination. The company's response was the implementation of a more inclusive restroom policy.
In line with the new policy, Starbucks has published an updated code of conduct emphasizing proper behavior within its premises.
"Starbucks spaces are for use by our partners and customers – this includes our cafes, patios and restrooms," stated a Starbucks representative.
The code explicitly prohibits any misuse or disruption of spaces and outlines unacceptable behaviors such as harassment, threatening language, consumption of externally sourced alcohol, smoking, vaping, or begging.