What is Starbucks’ Coffeehouse Code of Conduct? Details explored

General Views of New York - Source: Getty
General Views of New York - Source: Getty. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Starbucks made headlines in 2024, including safety policy, worker relationships, and sluggish sales. In 2025, the global coffee brand is back on the news, this time for making changes to its Code of Conduct across stores in North America. On January 13, the coffee brand revealed its plans to limit access to the "cafe, patio, and restrooms" to only customers who purchase.

This change comes in light of the new CEO Brian Niccol's Back to Starbucks goal that would potentially elevate customer experience and improve staggering sales. The new changes have not been applied to the UK, and customers can continue to use the facilities without making a purchase.

Each brand has its own set of policies. (Image via Pexels/ Marcelochagas)
Each brand has its own set of policies. (Image via Pexels/ Marcelochagas)

Know more about the new changes to Starbucks’ Coffeehouse Code of Conduct

The code of conduct that the coffee brand follows. (Image via Unsplash/ Kevs)
The code of conduct that the coffee brand follows. (Image via Unsplash/ Kevs)

If you want to make an urgent pit stop for a restroom break or connect to your manager for an urgent meeting, Starbucks may no longer be an option. In a press release, Brian Niccol noted that the team has refocused attention on making the brand,

"A welcoming coffeehouse where people can gather and where we serve the finest coffee handcrafted by our skilled baristas."

The new code of conduct clarifies that access to the space will be limited to "partners and customers." A spokesperson of the coffee brand explained the need for a new code of conduct to BBC News and noted,

"Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct... is a practical step that helps us prioritise our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes."

They added,

"These updates are part of a broader set of changes we are making to enhance the cafe experience as we work to get back to Starbucks."

Apart from this, the code lays down other behaviors that will not be tolerated at the premises, including smoking or vaping, discrimination, harassment, use of abusive language, and panhandling. The code of conduct will be displayed at the storefront, and staff will also be informed about the same. While the impact of the changes in the code of conduct is unclear, the new move has invited mixed reactions from customers.


Cafes and restaurants can become more than places for eating and drinking coffee. For many, it may be about taking a few meetings from a place away from their office or a space where they can spend their leisure time. With Starbucks, new changes in the Code Of Conduct, individuals who don't make a purchase and continue to use the services may be asked to leave.

What are your thoughts on the new changes? Tell us in the comments below.

Edited by Debanjana
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