*UPDATE:
*Starbucks recently announced new policies aimed at addressing customer behavior in its U.S. stores, including conflict de-escalation training for employees and stricter enforcement of purchase requirements for using store amenities. Initial reports claimed the company was installing panic buttons for staff; however, Starbucks later clarified that while under-counter panic buttons were tested in five stores, they ultimately decided not to expand the initiative.
“It is simply a switch that locks the front doors from behind the bar in case of an emergency,” a Starbucks spokesperson tells The New York Post. “When triggered, it also alerts our local security team.”
A Starbucks spokesperson told EUR that the initial report on panic buttons was based on a single barista’s account from one of the five test stores, and is not reflective of the company’s more than 10,000 locations across North America. Reports that Starbucks was rolling out under-counter buttons came as the company announced a new policy that restricts non-purchasing customers from using its bathrooms or staying for extended periods. This move is part of an effort by CEO Brian Niccol to revitalize the brand.
We reported earlier that Starbucks is ending its open-door policy, which aims to enhance the overall cafe experience and discourage non-paying visitors, including those seeking shelter or restroom access. The policy reversal follows an earlier decision implemented after a major PR crisis for the company.
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“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” company spokesperson Sam Jefferies said in a statement to Daily Voice. “Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers already have and is a practical step that helps us prioritize our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit.”
In a message to store managers, Sara Trilling, executive vice president and president of Starbucks North America, explained the new policies.
“As part of this effort, we want to make it easier for you to prioritize your customers in our spaces,” Trilling wrote. “We know from customers that access to comfortable seating and a clean, safe environment is critical to the Starbucks experience they love. We’ve also heard from you, our partners, that there is a need to reset expectations for how our spaces should be used, and who uses them.
“To enable all of this, we are establishing a new code of conduct that will be displayed in every store. This is common practice, and makes clear that our spaces, including our cafes, patios and restrooms, are for use by paying customers and our partners. Together we’ll deliver the coffeehouse experience that consistently creates a bright spot in our customers’ days.”
Starbucks’ new code of conduct will reportedly be implemented in U.S. stores. Employees will be trained to enforce these guidelines and may involve law enforcement if violations arise.
A Starbucks spokesman said: “The operational updates being introduced on Jan 27 are for North American stores and are not being implemented internationally (including the UK) at this time. Across Starbucks global markets, licenced and joint venture partners operate stores with locally relevant policies”.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Starbucks Reverses Open-Door Policy, Reinstates Pay-to-Visit Restrooms
