Starbucks's new homeless policy doesn't pass the smell test

May 22, 2018 By Ed Straker

Starbucks's new homeless policy doesn't pass the smell test. When Starbucks announced that anyone could sit in its cafés without buying anything, everyone realized that this was an open invitation to the homeless...except, incredibly, the senior management at Starbucks. Now Starbucks has amended its new policy to say that while everyone is welcome at Starbucks, even if he doesn't buy anything, customers are not allowed to sleep or take narcotics in Starbucks cafés.

Starbucks wants people to know: Just because folks can now use its bathrooms without buying anything does not give all carte blanche to disrupt others. Or, as Starbucks Executive Chairman Howard Schultz recently told the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C.: "We don't want to become a public bathroom.

 Guess what, Mr. Schultz? If "customers" don't have to buy anything, you've just become one!

Separately, a Starbucks procedure manual for employees offered detailed instructions on what to do if someone is behaving in a disruptive manner. It said disruptive behaviors include smoking, drug or alcohol use, improper use of restrooms and sleeping.

Does Schultz think a ban on drug use and sleeping will keep the homeless away?

Some thoughts:..........Read more

My Take -  As you read the thoughts expressed in the rest of the article you will see I'm not the only one who saw the obvious consequences of the  stupidity and cowardice of Starbucks' CEO Kevin Johnson.

They're trying to walk back their cowardice but in reality all they're doing is putting band aid on a major wound.  And why are they doing this?  It's my guess the numbers are dropping.  Let's face it - they're charging a ridiculous amount of money for a cup of coffee - and I have no doubt the bums are taking over.   Why would those who can afford this brand put up with bums?  And yes - that's what the homeless are - bums!

And now I want to know about the manager that followed company policy, and I my opinion with great patience, and lost her job.  The "leadership" in this company is a disgrace.

OH, one more thing.  The article talks about these bums bringing lice into the store, but what about bed bugs?  Lice will spread through contact.  But beg bugs.............Ahhhhhhh, bed bugs can move all around a facility.  And that's what's going to happen. 

Hey, I have an idea.  Let's start an Internet campaign to force Starbucks to pay for bed bug treatments in the homes or businesses of anyone who's been customer of Starbucks from this month on, and any medical treatments for lice.  Lice is not considered a pest control issue, its treated as a medical issue.

And since Starbucks is all about dong the "right thing", surely they "must" think that's the "right thing" to do? Right?

Perhaps Starbucks can start an advertising campaign promoting that?  After all, if they thought adopting bums in their stores was a good business decision, why wouldn't they think advertising that they will pay for beg bug treatments in customer's homes and business  would be a great business decision?