Key Takeaways
- Starbucks said later this month it will begin requiring purchases in order to hang out in the company’s cafes or use its bathrooms.
- The company said it has heard from employees that “there is a need to reset expectations for how our spaces should be used.”
- The move is part of the “Back to Starbucks” strategy implemented by new CEO Brian Niccol.
Starbucks (SBUX) will soon require customers to make a purchase if they want to spend time in the company’s cafes or use its bathrooms.
That’s according to a new code of conduct for its North American locations that will go into effect later this month, a Starbucks spokesperson told Investopedia. The decision to limit bathroom access to paying customers reverses a Starbucks policy that has been in place since 2018.
The company has heard from employees that, “there is a need to reset expectations for how our spaces should be used, and who uses them,” Starbucks North America President Sara Trilling said in a letter to store managers.
The move is part of the “Back to Starbucks” strategy implemented by new CEO Brian Niccol, who took the reins of the coffee chain in September. The new code of conduct will go into effect on Jan. 27 and be posted in all stores, a spokesperson said.
Starbucks shares were little changed in extended trading after edging 1.4% higher to $93.51 Monday. They’ve gained close to 2% over the last 12 months.
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