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Fran Lu

The coffee chain Starbucks’ latest policy to bar non-paying visitors at its North American outlets has prompted a heated discussion on social media in China.
On January 13, the US chain announced the end of its “open-door” policy that allowed people to enter for shelter or toilet access.
The policy was applied in 2018 after a US Starbucks outlet blocked two black men from accessing its toilet and called the police, causing a PR disaster.
The policy was considered important, especially in places lacking enough public toilets.
The news has stirred debate on mainland social media, with many wondering if the change of policy would extend to the brand’s second-largest market after the US, China.

Many Chinese cities, including the capital Beijing, mandate that Chinese business owners provide free toilet access to non-customers during opening hours.
A spokesperson for Starbucks China told China Central Television on January 15 that they do not require visitors to make purchases, and that the open-door policy still applied to mainland stores.
A member of staff at a Hong Kong Starbucks outlet told the Post that it remained open to non-paying visitors.
Toilet access is not an issue for many mainland Starbucks shops as they do not have in-shop bathrooms, but use those in the commercial buildings where they are mostly located.
There was a time in China when public toilets charged ticket prices.
In 1993, the government issued a notice requiring toilets at public transport hubs to open for free.
Over the years it has become common knowledge that public toilets should be used for free. Some shopping malls and tourist spots even built fancy toilets to attract visitors.
Last October, a pregnant woman got into a fight with the owner of an independent coffeehouse in southwestern China’s Yunnan province, after she used its bathroom without asking the staff and was later told it was not open to non-paying visitors.
However, most commenters online supported the coffeehouse, saying that shop owners are not obliged to let non-customers use their toilets and calling the woman’s demand “shameless”.

Similar voices could also be heard regarding Starbucks’ free access.
One online observer said: “Starbucks should not allow non-customers to stay in the shop. I often paid for a coffee but could not find a seat, and some non-paying elderly people were really loud and disturbed my experience as a consumer.”
With most of its drinks priced around 30 yuan (US$4), Starbucks is considered a higher-end brand compared with China’s largest coffee chain Luckin, whose products can be bought online for around 10 yuan.
“I can go to other brands if I just want coffee. I go to Starbucks to sit in, and I expect that experience to be comfortable,” said another person.


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A move by United States outlets of the Starbucks coffee chain to ban non-paying customers from access to toilets has sparked fears about a similar policy being introduced in China. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

People leaving a Starbucks in New York City. Shops in the US have blocked toilet access for non-paying customers. Photo: AFP

Online observers are worried that the ban could extend to outlets in China, like the one above in Shanghai. Photo: Shutterstock 

China’s first Corgi police dog loses its “year-end bonus” for being tired on the job and urinating in its food bowl. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Fuzai the Corgi police dog holds a meeting down at the station with a handler. Photo: Douyin

Under the watchful eye of a woman officer, Fuzai is told about the loss of his “bonus”. Photo: Douyin

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Chinese pop star Huang Zitao has found himself in hot water over the promised giveaway of 20 electric cars. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com/IG@hztttao

Huang Zitao promised his tens of millions of fans that 20 of them would get a free car. Photo: Weibo

During the car giveaway live-stream, Huang and his viewers complained about the slow internet connection. Photo: Weibo

China retail giant bans staff from engaging in domestic violence, sparks privacy concerns

A popular supermarket chain in China has banned staff from engaging in domestic violence, sparking privacy concerns. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Baidu

The chain’s boss Yu Donglai has been dubbed China’s “silliest boss” on social media. Photo: Weibo

It is not clear how the company will police its new rules on domestic violence. Photo: Shutterstock

It is not the first time that the Pan Dong Lai supermarket chain has captured public attention for its staffing policies. Photo: Wanzi.com

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Chinse actress Rosy Zhao has broken her silence on claims that she was verbally and physically abused by her talent agency. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo/Douyin

A 124-year-old woman in China has shared the secrets of her longevity, gaining praise from many people online. Photo: SCMP composite/cbgc.scol.com.cn

A fashion brand dubbed the “Balenciaga of Belarus” has gone viral over its bizarre bubble wrap outfits. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@znwr.store

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An indebted and homeless man in Japan earns money by randomly praising people in the street for cash. Photo: SCMP composite/TikTok/X

“Praising Uncle” holds up a sign on the street advertising his service. Photo: X＠morimotoshoji

The man plys his trade on the streets of the Japanese capital, Tokyo. Photo: Shutterstock

News

People & Culture

Many mainland coffee outlets do not have in-shop bathrooms, but move to banish non-paying customers in US still stirs fears over China policy


Many mainland coffee outlets do not have in-shop bathrooms, but move to banish non-paying customers in US still stirs fears over China policy.


Starbucks

United States