Starbucks requires mandatory consumption to occupy a seat

Starbucks China will require customers to make a purchase to occupy seats in its over 8,000 cafes, starting Thursday. This policy has sparked mixed reactions among Chinese consumers, with some supporting the restriction while others believe it harms the brand's image. The decision follows incidents of prolonged table occupancy by non-paying customers. Similar policies have been implemented in the US and Canada, where Starbucks reinstated purchase requirements in January 2025. This move has reignited discussions about the brand's identity as a 'third space' for socializing. Starbucks faces increasing competition from local brands offering lower prices.