Photo: Jim MacKay/WBZ NewsRadio
HANOVER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Starbucks has closed its open-door policy.
The policy change is laid out in Starbuck's latest Code of Conduct which is also displayed in its stores.
For the past 7 years, anyone could come inside a store and use the facilities whether or not they bought anything.
But now, the Starbucks corporate office said it's making the change "to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers."
At a Starbucks in Hanover, customers were asked what they thought about the change.
Most said they understood why it was made. "The main focus is to have your customers feel comfortable," said Erica. She said that some customers abused the open-door policy by loitering.
Freddy said he agreed with the policy change, but thought it will be difficult for staff to enforce and keep track of "whether or not customers bought something."
Tom, meanwhile, said that he appreciated the open-door policy, but all it took was a few people who took advantage. "It's unfortunate," he said. "It kind of ruined the atmosphere for everyone else."
Another customer said she had a hard time deciding what the right decision was. "I'm definitely on the fence," she said.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.