All company-owned Starbucks’ across North America are reversing their open-door policy. Starbucks has largely been associated with its accessibility, whether it be the free wifi access or public washroom availability. The open-door policy was first introduced after an incident in 2018 that led to the arrest of two racialized individuals.
Since then, Starbucks employees have struggled to handle dangerous behaviours in stores. The updated policy prohibits “discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling,” and stipulates for the use of law enforcement if necessary.
In March 2023, 37-year-old father Paul Stanley Schmidt was fatally stabbed outside of a Vancouver Starbucks on the corner of West Pender and Granville Street, for asking the perpetrator not to vape in front of his three-year-old daughter. The video recording of Schmidt’s death went viral online.
“By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone,” said Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson, as reported by CTV News.
Kiara Okonkwo is a writer and creative. She received a diploma in Screenwriting from Vancouver Film School and is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Media and Communication Studies. Kiara values self-expression and authenticity.
