Posted on 05/31/2013 11:09:13 AM PDT by Drango
Mark Memmott/NPR
Don't sit down here and have a smoke with your coffee, Starbucks says.Mark Memmott/NPR
Starbucks is moving its smoking ban outdoors.
Starting Saturday, according to signs posted in its more than 7,000 shops across the U.S. and Canada, "the no-smoking policy ... will include outdoor areas."
"Smoking will be restricted within 25 feet of the store and within outdoor seating areas," the notices read.
AdWeek says that "since smoking bans have swept the nation in the last decade, it's doubtful there will be a huge backlash for the brand. In fact, there's been an online movement from Starbucks consumers calling for the newly revealed policy since at least 2009."
WJXT-TV in Jacksonville, Fla., which appears to have been first to notice the new policy, spoke to some customers at a Starbucks. It found split opinions:
"Meredith Robinson can't wait. The non-smoker said the new rule allows her to enjoy the patio, too. 'It makes for a better environment because a lot of people go to Starbucks and drink their coffee, too, especially on a pretty day like this,' said Robinson.
"Long-time smoker Charli Dirani believes Starbucks will lose business under the policy by kicking people, like him, to their curb or even farther away. 'I think for them to stop that is a conflict between the two,' said Dirani. "Everybody knows coffee and cigarettes go hand-in-hand.' "
The news has the advocacy group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense In America calling on Starbucks to also ban loaded guns from inside its stores.
hum? Most states already have this ban in place, usually 20 feet, so I guess this is worse.
Eye roll, cafe’s just move their chairs and tables farther away from the door.
Howard Schultz would be proud of you.
Wondering if the e-cig lobby is at work somewhere in this.
Saw a TV commercial with some young actor (I’m sure I was supposed to know who it was) that seemed to try to make it cool with the younger crowd, thinking they’re trying to get young people to START smoking (e-cigs).
I suppose all the tobacconists will now bar the drinking of Starbucks coffee near their shops?
“Good on banning smoking. “
I don’t smoke but I’m getting sick of Starbuck’s political correctness. Anybody know of another good single serving instant coffee? Post a link. I tried Nescafe’s Taster’s Choice but it isn’t very good.
Its their right.
When governments do it, its an abuse of power.
Its getting to where you can only have a cigarette with your coffee outside the US.
“Good Tasting Instant Coffee” is an oxymoron.
France is talking about banning e-cigs outdoors, so the nanny-staters won’t stop there. If I even bothered to be a patron of Starbucks, I’d just put my cup on a table, have a smoke, and come back to it.
ROTFLMAO. In fact, there is a cigar shop within spitting distance of one of our local Starbucks.
I never liked Starbucks coffee, too strong tasting and a ripoff pricewise.
Private property. The owner (lessee) of the private property wishes to mandate people stand on their heads, that’s their right.
Tsk Tsk Tsk......Bans suck period.
Soon enough they will hit something you enjoy and it appears they are getting close with the gun remark.
Saw a TV commercial with some young actor (I’m sure I was supposed to know who it was) that seemed to try to make it cool with the younger crowd, thinking they’re trying to get young people to START smoking (e-cigs).
If they quit regular cigs, good for them.
I like Dunkin Donuts coffee...even buy it to brew at home.
Gun violence is not just a legislative issue: Companies and businesses can help create a culture that values gun safety. By not allowing guns in stores, your company would be making a crucial statement about how much you value your customers.
Hahahahaha. So the Moms want a store full of defenseless people, just like Sandy Hook, Auora, VT, Columbine, etc.
... and if the 25 foot distance includes public sidewalks or road shoulder?
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