Starbucks announced on Monday a change to its previous policy, which allowed everyone to enter its branches, noting that customers must now purchase something if they wish to stay or use the store's facilities.

The new rules – which will be implemented in all company-owned branches in North America – will prohibit discrimination or harassment, consumption of alcohol from outside, smoking, use of electronic cigarettes, drug use, and panhandling.

Starbucks spokesperson, Jackie Anderson, stated that the new rules aim to prioritize paying customers. She added, “Most other stores already have similar rules. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our branches. By setting clear expectations for behavior and the use of spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”

The new conduct rules warn that rule violators will be asked to leave, and law enforcement may be called if necessary. The company explained that employees will receive training on enforcing the new policy.

This change follows the "open door" policy adopted in 2018, after an incident involving the arrest of two Black men at a Starbucks branch in Philadelphia. The men had entered the store for a business meeting without purchasing anything and were arrested based on the branch's policy requiring non-customers to leave. The incident, which was documented on video, caused significant embarrassment for the company.

At that time, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz said he did not want anyone to feel "offended" if they were denied entry to the store. He stated, “We do not want to become just a public bathroom, but we will make the right decision every time and give people the key.”

However, since then, employees and customers have experienced unruly and dangerous behaviors in some branches. In 2022, Starbucks closed 16 branches nationwide, including six in Los Angeles and six in Seattle, due to safety issues, such as drug use and other behaviors threatening to employees.