Starbucks Announces New Policy: No Purchase Needed to Sit in Cafes

If you need to use the bathroom, or just sit and hang out for a few moments, no purchase is necessary at Starbucks according to a new policy the company announced Saturday. 

“We are committed to creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome,” Starbucks said in a statement.

Starbucks says they've instructed employees to consider everyone who walks into their stores a customer, "regardless of whether they make a purchase." 

The revamped policy comes just five weeks following the arrest of two black men who hadn't purchased anything at a Philadelphia Starbucks. One man was denied use of the bathroom, refusing to place an order while they were waiting for a friend. When a worker called police, the two men, Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, were arrested, and the pair spent hours in jail before ultimately being released. 

Video of the incident went viral, and became an embarrassing incident for the coffee giant. In response to the arrest, Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson announced the company would close its more than 8,000 stores on May 29th to conduct racial-bias education training geared toward preventing discrimination at their stores. 

“While this is not limited to Starbucks, we’re committed to being a part of the solution. Closing our stores for racial bias training is just one step in a journey that requires dedication from every level of our company and partnerships in our local communities," said Johnson. 

Nelson and Robinson settled with Starbucks earlier this month for an undisclosed amount of money and an offer of free college education. They also reached a symbolic deal with the city of Philadelphia for $1 and the promise from city officials to set up a program for young entrepreneurs. 

Photo: Getty Images


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