Starbucks is limiting access to its bathrooms and public spaces in North America to paying customers only, sparking debate across the US.
The coffee giant has reversed its policy of allowing anyone to use its facilities, citing a need to prioritize customer space. The new code of conduct warns non-paying visitors that they’ll need to buy something or leave.
This move reflects changes made by many retailers, who see public spaces as essential to their businesses. However, the issue is particularly relevant in the US, where public restrooms are scarce.
The debate surrounding bathroom access for Starbucks was reignited in 2018, when two black men were denied entry to a store’s restroom while waiting for a friend. The incident highlighted concerns about racial bias and sparked calls for greater inclusion.
Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3294795/starbucks-policy-shift-non-paying-visitors-stirs-debate-us