Starbucks ending open-door policy in North America

“We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers,” the company said on its website.

Starbucks spaces -- including cafes, patios and restrooms -- are available to their “partners and customers,” according to the new code of conduct in the US and Canada, which was announced to stores on Monday.

“To be super clear, these operational updates impact company-owned stores in the US and Canada only and are not being implemented internationally at this time,” Starbucks’ head of Corporate Communications and Issues for the EMEA told Anadolu.

Stressing their aim to create a welcoming environment in the code of conduct, the company expects people to adhere to its rules, including no misuse of spaces, discrimination, violence, outside alcohol, smoking, vaping or panhandling.

If this code of conduct is not followed, Starbucks will ask the person to leave and involve law enforcement if appropriate.

“The code of conduct is displayed in our stores to remind customers of the role they play in creating a community coffeehouse that is inviting and welcoming,” the company wrote.

The open-door policy was introduced in 2018 following the arrest of two Black men at a Starbucks in Philadelphia who were waiting for a business meeting with a third person.