Starbucks will now require customers to wear face masks when entering its thousands of locations, according to a statement Thursday.
The international coffee brand had announced its employees would wear masks as reopening of some locations began in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since wearing masks is not mandated by all local governments, Starbucks officials decided that as of July 15 customers who don’t have masks must order from the drive-thru or through curbside service as a way to prioritize the “health and well-being of partners (employees) and customers.”
“The company is committed to playing a constructive role in supporting health and government officials as they work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” read the statement.
The policy change comes a couple of weeks after an incident in which a customer at a San Diego Starbucks was reportedly denied service for not wearing a mask. The customer, Amber Lynn Gilles, posted a photo of a barista, Lenin Gutierrez, who reportedly denied her service. The incident led to Gutierrez receiving more than $85,000 in tips via a GoFundMe account due to many people supporting his decision to not serve the maskless woman.
Starbucks has required its employees to wear masks since April. The Seattle-based franchise has more than 28,000 locations worldwide. Since its inception in 1971, Starbucks has become a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the country. Stores have opened in Target and Kroger locations as an alternative to those communities without standalone stores.
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
