Update: Starbucks Says "No Coffee, No Seat"! New Rule Starts Today

Remember yesterday, when I told y'all about the rumor that Starbucks might introduce a rule requiring customers to make a purchase before taking a seat?

Well, when reporters asked Starbucks China about it, the company came back with some classic corporate talk about creating a comfortable “third-space experience” and continuously improving the in-store experience.

Basically, they said a whole lot of words without clearly telling us whether we could sit down without buying a coffee. 😂

Well, today mystery solved. Starbucks has officially confirmed the new rule!

Purchase Before Seating

Starbucks leaflets of new rule

Starting today, October 22, Starbucks stores across China will implement a “purchase before seating” policy. Stores will put up notices informing customers of the requirement.

Starbucks says it will provide staff with clear guidelines (see above pic) and support to enforce the policy politely and respectfully. There will also be some flexibility for reasonable unexpected situations and people who need special assistance, including pregnant customers and people with limited mobility.

As Starbucks puts it, the rules should be clear, but their implementation should still be humane.

The move comes after complaints about people occupying seats for hours without buying anything, leaving paying customers wandering around looking for somewhere to sit. Some people have even treated Starbucks like a free co-working space with complimentary air-conditioning.

Now, Starbucks is drawing a clearer line: if you want to use the seating, you're expected to make a purchase.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with Starbucks' new rule, or do you think its stores should remain open to everyone, even those who don't buy anything?

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