Starbucks open-door policy scrapped: Here are the details

Starbucks is scraping its open-door policy. It does not feel the need to be US’s public bathroom anymore. The company is eliminating a policy that had let any person hang out at its cafes or use the restrooms, despite not making a purchase.

The latest decision is part of a larger effort to enhance Starbucks’ cafe experience and deter homeless people and non-paying customers looking to enter the place only for shelter and bathroom access. This change is making global headlines.

Other changes include a ban on discrimination, panhandling, consuming outside alcohol and vaping, according to the policy posted online. The changes are aimed at luring back customers, boosting sagging sales and enhancing employee relations.

Starbucks is also trying to encourage its customers to stay in its cafes instead of ordering to-go. Beginning January 27, all customers can get refill of a hot or iced coffee for free. It is going to be served in their ceramic mugs or reusable glasses.

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