Angelenos React to Starbucks’ New Bathroom Policy

Starbucks issued new guidelines Saturday to emphasize that all are welcome, with or without a purchase. Chairman Howard Schultz announced the approach five weeks after two African-American men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks, which resulted in a swift backlash. With the new policy implemented, CBS-LA gathered the local response to see how customers feel about it.

Some maintain a positive response to the policy, which allows anyone, customer or not, to use the bathrooms. “I’ve definitely done it. So I don’t see a problem with it,” said Nicole McDonald. “I think it should have always been that way, especially because of the way racism is, you know,” says Desiree Mollere.

Others see the policy change as a problem. “If you go into a business and you just sit there and you don’t buy anything you are taking up space at the table,” says Melrose Larry Green. Squatting is another concern. “You could end up having a squatters problem where you just have people coming and staying,” says Joe Selva. “I mean if they are going to do that they need to limit how long people can stay in there.”

Schultz clearly had some concerns about the new policy. “We don’t want to become a public bathroom, but we’re going to make the right decision 100% of the time and give people the key, because we don’t want anyone at Starbucks to feel as if we are not giving access to use the bathroom,” says Schultz.

Still reeling from damage control, Starbucks will conduct a highly-publicized company wide racial bias training on May 29. And while Starbucks brought on these current guidelines to address racial profiling, it seems that some customers aren’t necessarily pleased with the changes.

• Mixed Reactions To Starbucks Allowing Non-Customers To Use Restrooms [CBS-LA]
• You Officially No Longer Need to Buy Anything to Sit Inside Starbucks [ELA]
• Philadelphia’s Starbucks Arrest Sparks Conversation at One South LA Location [ELA]