It sounds like there may be keys involved in the near future.

Starbucks is mulling ending its general public bathroom policies.

Late last week, multiple sources are reporting Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said the world's largest coffee company might stop allowing just anyone off the street to utilize their restrooms.

Now, this doesn't mean the commode would be entirely off-limits to customers. According to statements made by Schultz, there may be keys involved, and they could be given only to paying customers.

  The change would end the policy adopted nearly four years ago

In 2018, Starbucks expanded the use of the restroom to anyone and everyone off the street, including non-paying customers after a messy lawsuit. Two black men in Philadelphia had asked to use a bathroom in one of their stores and were denied. They left without buying anything, and then a worker called Police. The two were arrested for trespassing but never charged. They did sue, and the company settled out of court with them.

Get our free mobile app

Then the company adopted its open-to-everyone policy after a nationwide boycott effort. But now, the safety of customers and workers has apparently become a focus for the company. Shultz, according to The Blaze.com, said this about the policy:

"We have to harden our stores and provide safety for our people,  I don’t know if we can keep our bathrooms open."

None of the sources cited any specific safety or security threats that may have sparked this possible policy change. Schultz also added:

"We don't want to become a public bathroom, but we're going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key." (The Blaze.com).

 

50 Famous Brands That No Longer Exist

 

More From 105.3 KISS FM