Starbucks’s New Policy: No Purchase, No Problem | Eater
"The coffee company has adopted a formal “Third Place Policy” allowing anyone to use its cafes, patios and restrooms without making a purchase so long as they use the spaces as intended, are considerate of others, communicate respectfully and act responsibly. The directive — framed as recognizing locations as public gathering places where people already seek free Wi‑Fi, shelter or restroom access — follows protests after a Philadelphia store manager called police on two Black men who had been seated and denied bathroom access; the men were briefly arrested and later released, and the manager left the company. The company has also issued a standalone restroom policy and tightened guidance on when staff should call police (listing eight scenarios such as gas leak or fire, robbery, threats of violence, drug use/sales and property destruction) and how to handle disruptive behavior (e.g., excessive noise, viewing inappropriate media, verbal abuse, unwanted sexual advances, indecent exposure). Employees are instructed to assess behavior rather than target the person, seek colleague verification, attempt a calm, respectful direct intervention (introduce themselves, ask for a name, listen actively, request the conduct stop) and only call 911 if the situation becomes unsafe." - Daniela Galarza
