A new rumor about Starbucks in China has gone viral this week, and people are arguing about it.
Reports claim Starbucks may introduce a rule requiring customers to make a purchase before taking a seat. Some people say it's fair. Others argue it goes against Starbucks' famous “third place” concept, a welcoming space between home and work where people can relax.
Well, what else could be the reason? Just look at what's happening at IKEA.
Apparently, many people have been treating Starbucks like their own living room with free air-conditioning. They occupy tables for hours without buying anything, while paying customers struggle to find a seat.
Imagine buying a coffee, only to discover every seat has been claimed by someone whose only purchase is the right to breathe Starbucks air
"Can Starbucks do something about this?" Many consumers have raised such questions on social platforms. What they are complaining about is not the coffee, but the "Third Place" that Starbucks has long taken pride in. Some people are seen taking off their shoes and stepping on the chairs, bringing in drinks from other brands or free water provided by shopping malls.
Complaints about in-store experience at Starbucks on Xiaohongshu
Some customers who sit quietly in the store are suddenly startled by loud music played out loud, and smell strong odor of outside food; others see multiple people occupying an entire table, never ordering any drinks or food throughout their stay, only placing their laptops and books on the table and refusing to share the seat with others.
The rumor of this new rule has divided Chinese social media users. Supporters argue that Starbucks is a commercial establishment and that seating should primarily serve paying customers. Critics worry that stricter rules could undermine the brand's welcoming atmosphere and lead to more disputes between customers and employees.
Similar controversies have emerged before. In July, a video from a Starbucks store in Tianjin showed signs requiring customers to make a purchase before sitting down, alongside notices prohibiting outside food and drinks.
On October 20, responding to ths viral claim that Starbucks would introduce a “purchase before seating” rule, a Starbucks China representative told The Paper:
“Starbucks has always been dedicated to providing customers with a comfortable third-space experience. Based on continuous listening to the voices of customers and partners across the country, we will keep investing to improve customers' in-store experience.”
Honestly, I have no idea what that corporate s**t is supposed to mean. Are we allowed to sit down without buying coffee or not?
Hey, I'm just curious ok? It's not like I'm planning to be that cheapskate guy camping out there all day without buying a damn thing. 
So, what's your take? Should Starbucks be allowed to require a purchase before you sit down, or should its seats remain open to everyone?
Or better still, how should Starbucks deal with these shameless, self-entitled cheapskates who occupy seats all day without buying a damn thing?
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