Using the bathroom at your local Starbucks will cost you.
Literally.
The coffee giant his reversed course on it’s “open bathroom” policy. It has now rolled out a new policy that will require people to make a purchase if they want to hang out in their cafes or use the restroom.
According to a NPR report, Starbucks’ new strategy is aimed at hopes customers will welcome at a time of declining profits, according to their new CEO.
Starbucks is reversing its open-door policy after almost seven years, now requiring people to make a purchase if they want to hang out at its coffee shops or use its restrooms. https://t.co/VEKxp7Kfcq pic.twitter.com/Clmrty8Bbz
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) January 15, 2025
The chain says its new code of conduct “is something most retailers have and is designed to provide clarity that our spaces — including our cafes, patios and restrooms — are for use by customers and partners.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that the policy will be implemented later this month at the more than 11,000 Starbucks stores in North America, and will require a three hour training session for staff.
Starbucks open bathroom policy was implemented by the company in 2018 after two Black men, who had not ordered anything, were arrested at a Philadelphia location while waiting for a business meeting.
It has also allowed remote workers to use Starbucks as a place to conduct business, drink coffee, and of course use the bathroom.
New CEO Brian Niccol has made in an attempt to turn around the coffee giant’s lackluster performance with sales steadily falling for months.
In addition to the swift change in its bathroom policy, Niccol says other priorities include faster drink turnarounds and a simpler menu.