You can use a restroom without any purchase in Starbucks

Starbucks, a coffee care giant, declared it allows any customers to use a toilet and a seat regardless of making any purchases there.

The Straits Times: New policy at Starbucks in US: People can sit and use toilets without buying anything

Previously, buying a cup of coffee has been needed to take a seat in the cafe. I think it is a common sense because occupying a chair is a burden for the store.

This policy was changed some weeks after a case in which a Philadelphia Starbucks store called the police since two black men took seats before purchasing anything. The men seemed to have planned to make a business meeting after joining some counterparts.

Although I am not sure about the situation, calling the police to free riders is inappropriate unless some violence or threatening occurred. The reaction of the shopper might be deemed as racism. Thus, this decision seems to be done to protect the reputation of Starbucks.

On the other hand, using a toilet is often essential for travelers. I have some opportunities to use a restroom in a McDonald's or Starbucks. And occasionally, I have no appetite, or no money, to spend there. The new policy of Starbucks is quite helpful.