MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — The days of walking into Starbucks to use their free Wifi are over unless you make a purchase. The major coffee franchise recently changed its code of conduct. The new policy prioritizes the establishment's customers.
- The new policy rolled out on January 13th states in part, "We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers."
- Local coffee shops said they would not turn someone away if they did not make any purchases.
- Local coffee enthusiasts either say they believe coffee shops should be a place where people can come together without having to purchase anything, while some say they understand if there is no place for a person to sit after they've made a purchase, the new policy makes sense.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
“I think if Jesus was the owner of this coffee shop, he would allow people to just use it,” Cameron Philgreen said.
25News Reporter Dominique Leh visited some coffee shops in Waco asking how they feel about the new Starbucks Code of Conduct.
The new policy rolled out on January 13th stating in part, "We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers. Our Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers have and is designed to provide clarity that our spaces – including our cafes, patios, and restrooms – are for use by customers and partners.”
“As a business I get it, It makes sense that you know, you want to maximize on the opportunity as people are coming in and grabbing a drink and not taking up space,” Andreas Zaloumis said.
Andreas Zaloumis is the owner of Thrst Coffee, he sees people come into his shop all the time utilizing his free WIFI, oftentimes their homeless, but Zaloumis welcomes it.
“The coffee shop serves more than just like a place to buy something. It’s like a place for you to just like meet people and share a dream,” Zaloumis said.
“Do you think this is something you would implement with your business?” asked Dominique Leh.
“Probably not, I think the driving force for me having a physical location, a physical space is the interaction and having the ability to be embraced by other people,” Zaloumis said.
I reached out to Starbucks asking about enforcement of the policy, they said if employees see someone who’s been sitting there for a while, they will get a “tap on the shoulder”.
“I don’t like that. I think coffee shops are a great place to meet people and community. And not everyone can afford to buy expensive coffee all the time, or if they just want to sit down a chill and find a place to study,” Baylor Student, Brooke Reese said.
While some frequent coffee enthusiasts aren’t fond of the change, they say it makes sense.
“As a customer coming in, spending money, wanting to sit and visit vs someone that’s not, the customer may see that as an issue as well because they can’t find a space,” Amelia’s Fashion Exchange owner, Kelly Stephens said.
Starbucks released this statement to 25News
"We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores. 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. This means our cafes, patios, and restrooms are for customers and partners. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone. These updates are part of a broader set of changes we are making to enhance the cafe experience as we work to get back to Starbucks."
When asked why the new code of conduct is in place, Starbucks reps say their new CEO is pushing a “Back to Starbucks” strategy to create a community feeling, and this new code of conduct is part of that, they’ll also be offering free refills in ceramic mugs. The new code of conduct will be placed in every store.
Amelia's Fashion Exchange is offering 20% off their purchase to anyone who comes into her store with a Starbucks coffee purchase until January 22nd.
