Starbucks Confirms 'Prohibition on Using Store Facilities Without Buying' Does Not Apply in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -  Indonesia spoke out about the widespread implementation of a policy prohibiting the use of store facilities without transactions and at the same time the issue of layoffs (PHK) at the company.

As the official licensee of Starbucks Indonesia, PT Sari Coffee Indonesia guarantees that customers can use store facilities even if they do not buy products at the store.

"The prohibition on enjoying store facilities without transactions and the reduction in the number of employees do not apply in Indonesia," wrote Starbucks Indonesia via its official Instagram account @starbucksindonesia on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

According to Starbucks Indonesia, the new policy containing the prohibition only applies in the United States (US) and Canada.

"The operational update regarding the code of ethics only applies in the United States and Canada because there is a lot of misuse of store functions that occurs due to ongoing social issues there," wrote Starbucks Indonesia. "This is done to ensure the safety and comfort of Starbucks customers and partners."

Previously, several international media previously reported on the existence of a new code of ethics for Starbucks operations in the US and Canada which will take effect on January 27, 2025.

Starbucks Corporation CEO Brian Niccol ended the policy that had been in place since 2018 which allowed anyone to sit or access the toilet even if they did not buy Starbucks products. Niccol claimed that the restriction was intended to create a safer and more comfortable environment for customers and employees.

In addition to clarifying the ban on the use of the store's facilities, Starbucks Indonesia also denied that it would lay off its employees. "Regarding the news about the layoffs announced by the CEO of Starbucks Corporation, this does not apply to PT Sari Coffee Indonesia," said Starbucks Indonesia. Starbucks Indonesia also ensured that operations would run as usual.

Niccol previously announced that he would cut the number of Starbucks employees to restore sluggish business operations, for example in the US and China. Niccol stated that details of the layoffs would be announced no later than early March 2025.

The layoffs, said Niccol, were carried out to increase efficiency. "We recognize that the size and structure of a large organization can slow down performance. Too many layers of managers and small teams that are only tasked with coordinating work," Niccol said on Saturday, January 18, 2025, quoted from Reuters. However, Nicol claimed that the layoffs would not affect the team in the store or the investment given to .

Editor's Note: The title has been corrected.

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