Starbucks Says Drug Use, Sleeping Unacceptable as It Clarifies Guest Policy

[redleghunter]

Starbucks Says Drug Use, Sleeping Unacceptable as It Clarifies Guest Policy
Company’s statement is second attempt to explain its new policy following complaints that it would turn cafes into homeless shelters and drug havens

By
Julie Jargon

• 
  
  
  Starbucks Corp. SBUX -0.24% tried to dig itself out of controversy Monday by attempting to clarify a policy toward nonpaying guests that generated an onslaught of weekend criticism.
  
  The Seattle-based retailer on Saturday had said it would allow all guests in its U.S. company-owned stores to use its cafes, including its restrooms, whether or not they make a purchase. That announcement, which attracted some support, also drew complaints that cafes wouldn’t have enough seats for paying customers and would turn into homeless shelters and drug havens.
  
  On Monday, Starbucks revealed more about the policy, telling The Wall Street Journal that employees now have detailed instructions on what to do if someone is behaving in a disruptive manner, such as smoking, using drugs or alcohol, using restrooms improperly or sleeping.
  
  At issue, in essence, is whether Starbucks views itself as a business that caters to customers, or a quasi-public place generally welcome to all. The uproar, which follows the arrest last month of two black men who wanted to use a Starbucks bathroom in Philadelphia, demonstrates the unusual spot that the nation’s biggest coffee chain holds in American culture.
  
  While many other restaurants and retailers also must manage the issue of lingering customers and nonpaying guests who come in to use restrooms, Starbucks has promoted itself as providing a “third place” between home and work where people can freely exchange ideas. It essentially pioneered the idea that is now generating controversy.
  
  
  Starbucks Says Drug Use, Sleeping Unacceptable as It Clarifies Guest Policy

 

[brinny]

Starbucks Says Drug Use, Sleeping Unacceptable as It Clarifies Guest Policy
Company’s statement is second attempt to explain its new policy following complaints that it would turn cafes into homeless shelters and drug havens

By
Julie Jargon

• 
  
  
  Starbucks Corp. SBUX -0.24% tried to dig itself out of controversy Monday by attempting to clarify a policy toward nonpaying guests that generated an onslaught of weekend criticism.
  
  The Seattle-based retailer on Saturday had said it would allow all guests in its U.S. company-owned stores to use its cafes, including its restrooms, whether or not they make a purchase. That announcement, which attracted some support, also drew complaints that cafes wouldn’t have enough seats for paying customers and would turn into homeless shelters and drug havens.
  
  On Monday, Starbucks revealed more about the policy, telling The Wall Street Journal that employees now have detailed instructions on what to do if someone is behaving in a disruptive manner, such as smoking, using drugs or alcohol, using restrooms improperly or sleeping.
  
  At issue, in essence, is whether Starbucks views itself as a business that caters to customers, or a quasi-public place generally welcome to all. The uproar, which follows the arrest last month of two black men who wanted to use a Starbucks bathroom in Philadelphia, demonstrates the unusual spot that the nation’s biggest coffee chain holds in American culture.
  
  While many other restaurants and retailers also must manage the issue of lingering customers and nonpaying guests who come in to use restrooms, Starbucks has promoted itself as providing a “third place” between home and work where people can freely exchange ideas. It essentially pioneered the idea that is now generating controversy.
  
  
  Starbucks Says Drug Use, Sleeping Unacceptable as It Clarifies Guest Policy

This is helpful. Some good points were raised. In most fast food places, there is a reasonable limit of how long someone can sit in the place.

In addition, there is the issue of "loitering" which can include drug dealing, etc.

 

[redleghunter]

This is helpful. Some good points were raised. In most fast food places, there is a reasonable limit of how long someone can sit in the place.

In addition, there is the issue of "loitering" which can include drug dealing, etc.

I know that some elderly go to breakfast at the local Whataburger as they offer free coffee to seniors. Most take their coffee and go or purchase a breakfast, sit down, read the newspaper and hang around for a few hours with friends getting free refills on the coffee. I think that is fine as they are paying customers and Whataburger (a Texas/Oklahoma operation) honors seniors.

However, not purchasing a single cup of coffee and making yourself at 'home' is a recipe for disaster businesswise. Paying customers will either use the drive thru or go down to Dunkin Donuts where the coffee is cheaper and frankly much better.

 

[brinny]

I know that some elderly go to breakfast at the local Whataburger as they offer free coffee to seniors. Most take their coffee and go or purchase a breakfast, sit down, read the newspaper and hang around for a few hours with friends getting free refills on the coffee. I think that is fine as they are paying customers and Whataburger (a Texas/Oklahoma operation) honors seniors.

However, not purchasing a single cup of coffee and making yourself at 'home' is a recipe for disaster businesswise. Paying customers will either use the drive thru or go down to Dunkin Donuts where the coffee is cheaper and frankly much better.

Oh i agree. Some of my fav'rite places, where i give tips, when appropriate, are those places that welcome the elderly with the free coffee, etc. and allow them to socialize there.

It's a very gracious thing to do and it cements the community together.

LOVE those places.

God bless them.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

Wow -- wait until the homeless hear this!
They will be setting up their tents in there.
Where do you stay? I live at Starbucks.
Wanted to use the bathroom but, someone is in there firing up right now.
MB

The Seattle-based retailer on Saturday had said it would allow all guests in its U.S. company-owned stores to use its cafes, including its restrooms, whether or not they make a purchase. That announcement, which attracted some support, also drew complaints that cafes wouldn’t have enough seats for paying customers and would turn into homeless shelters and drug havens.