Pay to stay at Starbucks cafes, even for washrooms; new policy to come into effect from January 27 | Company Business News

Washrooms, cafes, and patios will be inaccessible for Starbucks visitors who haven’t purchased anything, reported Bloomberg, citing the global coffee giant’s revised policy on Monday.

The company will implement its new code of conduct from January 27. According to a Bloomberg report, the new policy is aimed at making stores more welcoming and winning back consumers.

Such policies already exist with most retailers: Starbucks

Implementing such a code “is something most retailers already have and is 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,” Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said.

Starbucks revised code of conduct: What does it include?

The beverage retailer’s new code of conduct includes training of employees and provisions related to restricting the disruptive behaviour of visitors.

The code of conductwill come into effect on January 27. It will be displayed in locations. As of now, baristas have been trained to enforce the guidelines, they have been even told to ask those who violate the rules to leave. 

As per the existing policy, they were not allowed to do so. However, the new policy would enable them to even seek help from local law enforcement.

Customers will be allowed to use restroom or connect to the wifi before approaching the counter to make a purchase, according to the company.

Starbucks shifts from policy implemented in 2018

The existing policy, set in 2018, allowed anyone to linger in cafes. The policy had repercussions, one of them was an incident from Philadelphia, where manager had to call police when two people were waiting in a store without ordering.

Starbucks reintroduces ceramic mugs, to expand refills policy

To enhance their customers’ experience, the popular cafe chain, will also reintroduce ceramic mugs and expand its free refills policy. Starbucks will offer refills to non-rewards members as long as the original order is made in a reusable clean cup or the ceramic or glass mugs, according to a memo sent to workers. 

The policy applies to hot and iced brewed coffee. The same rules will apply to rewards members, who previously were the only ones who could get free refills.