Starbucks to require purchases for seating in China

Starbucks China has announced a new policy requiring customers to make a purchase to occupy seats in its more than 8,000 locations across the country. The rule, which includes placing instructional signs in stores, is intended to manage seating more effectively and address issues regarding prolonged occupancy by non-paying customers.

The company stated that the implementation will not be a rigid, “one-size-fits-all” approach. Staff have been instructed to apply the rules with flexibility and care, particularly in exceptional circumstances or to assist pregnant women and individuals with reduced mobility.

The decision follows several controversial incidents in various Chinese cities where staff requested non-paying customers to leave or took measures to prevent unauthorized seating. This move aligns with recent shifts in the Chinese coffee market, where competitors like Luckin Coffee have prioritized high-efficiency, pick-up models, prompting Starbucks to refine its management of its “third space” concept to ensure seating availability for paying customers.