The very popular and well-known coffee shop just keeps digging its hole deeper and deeper. With the price increases and the “less for more,” they decided to add to their new statement: “no open access unless a purchase is made,” thinking it was a great idea.  

     Starbucks has always been one of those cozy sit-down places to study, talk, or even read a little book to calm one’s mind and get stuff done. Before, one could just waltz right in, sit, and start whatever they were there to do. Free Wi-Fi, good smells, and comfortable seating were in an all-access zone. Now, one isn’t allowed to sit or even use the restroom unless they purchase an item. According to the New York Times, “No Latte, No Lounging.” This doesn’t just apply to the inside either. If one wants to join a friend in the outdoor seating area on a nice, warm day, don’t forget to buy a drink to go along with that, because the patio is off limits too. 

     Now, the whole “you must buy a drink to stay” scenario is understandable because one could be taking up space to just sit there when a paying customer could be using it instead. Buying something to use the bathroom, though? That’s a little excessive. Many restaurants do use this policy, but with Starbucks being as popular and well-known as it is, I don’t think they need to worry about “losing all that possible money” like they are. They think their sales are decreasing, and they aren’t making enough money, but they’ve already raised prices, and now this. Who knows what will be next? With Brian Niccol, the new Chief Executive, costing the company $250,000 a year because he refuses to move for his new job title and already being paid about $96 million, he’s not helping with the whole money situation either.

     Many people forget that places that have open bathrooms and seating allow people without homes to get warm, relieve themselves, and wash up a little bit. In an article from Fox13, Paul Skinner stated, “I think about all the people who don’t have housing who would love to wander into a Starbucks and get warm. Now there’s one more place they aren’t welcome.” 

     However, Starbucks wants the environment to be safer and a lot nicer for its paying customers and is even starting to go as far as offering in-store deals, where one can get a free refill when they use a glass cup or ceramic mug for dine-in. They want more people to come inside to order instead of using the app or waiting in the drive-thru. Niccol hasn’t been in office for long, but he sure is trying to make a difference already. 

     While I do think some of these policies are okay, some of them are kind of stupid. A bathroom should be free access, while only paying customers should be allowed to sit in the vicinity. Raising the prices is understandable in our economy today, but paying $7 for what’s basically juice seems to be a bit outrageous. The size difference in the coffees isn’t that great either and depending on what you get, a “medium” coffee can still cost up to $9. I don’t think it will ever get better, it will only go down from here, and Starbucks will just keep digging its hole deeper until it reaches its economic end or society goes broke getting caffeinated.