Starbucks China will mandate that customers purchase items to occupy seats in its cafes starting 22 October 2026. The new policy applies to 8,000 stores across the country.
Starbucks China stated the decision aims to enhance the "in-store experience" for its clientele. To support this, the company plans to upgrade digital systems and increase staffing to "ensure customers receive timely and warm service even during peak hours."
The coffee chain has faced scrutiny recently after a store in Sichuan province sparked social media debate over outdoor furniture being chained down. Luckin Coffee surpassed Starbucks as the largest coffee chain in China during 2023.
Starbucks previously announced it would sell a 60% stake in its Chinese operations as part of a $4bn (£3.04bn) agreement with Boyu Capital. Since opening its first Chinese location in 1999, the country has grown into the company's second-largest market.
Similar restrictions have appeared elsewhere, including a ban on "bulky items" in South Korea and the reversal of an open-door policy in North America to "prioritise" paying customers. One top-liked comment on Weibo noted, "Finally, there won't be peak periods where people are just sitting there not ordering anything, drinking Luckin coffee, playing games and yelling on the phone."
Another Weibo user supported the change, saying, "There's nothing wrong with it. I'd feel awkward sitting there if I didn't make a purchase. I'd rather leave the seats for those who made purchases and need the seats."
