This New Starbucks Customer Policy Is a Game-Changer (and It Has Nothing to Do with Coffee)

This just in: Starbucks is breaking some longstanding restaurant rules, and definitely for the better. The coffee chain just announced its new customer policy: Anyone can make use of Starbucks’s space, no purchase necessary. And yep, that includes the restrooms.

Following the unwarranted arrests of Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson in a Philadelphia Starbucks, this comes as a positive effort to reignite CEO Howard Schulz’s longstanding concept: that Starbucks could be a gathering place for people between home and work.

The company made the announcement this Saturday, saying, “We want our stores to be the third place, a warm and welcoming environment where customers can gather and connect. Any customer is welcome to use Starbucks spaces, including our restrooms, cafes and patios, regardless of whether they make a purchase.” That’s as long as you’re “using spaces as intended, being considerate of others, communicating with respect and acting responsibly.” So, like, common courtesy stuff.

Inclusivity, community and nary a unicorn drink in sight? We can get behind this one.

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