Starbucks China says viral 'purchase before seating' signs are not a nationwide rule. Guangzhou and Foshan stores call it encouragement, with paying customers given seat priority at busy times.
Tags:Starbucks China’s “Pay to Sit” Sign Went Viral—But Is It Really a New Rule?
A seat at Starbucks without buying a drink? Photos of “please make a purchase before taking a seat” sign materials have sparked a fresh debate in China. But the reports do not establish a nationwide compulsory rule.
What Starbucks said
In an October 20 report, Nandu said Starbucks rejected the circulating claim as untrue. The newspaper then called stores in Guangzhou and Foshan and received different explanations.
One Guangzhou store said it could not confirm the details until October 21, while describing buying before sitting as more of an encouragement.
Encouraged—or required?
A Foshan store was more explicit: buying something before taking a seat was not compulsory. Staff said they might politely ask whether a visitor wanted to order.
The same store said paying customers would get priority when seats were scarce during busy periods. It also said staff would address complaints about visitors bringing in drinks bought elsewhere.
Check our latest video on China Visa and foreign-related knowledge!
Follow our channel for updates π
Why a cafΓ© seat attracts so much attention
Starbucks has long promoted its stores as a “third place” beyond home and work. Being able to stay for a while is part of the appeal described in the report.
The chain previously tested free study spaces in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan, offering seats without compulsory purchases, alongside power sockets, Wi-Fi and warm water.
The argument is about sharing the space
Nandu found many online commenters were receptive to purchase-before-seating. Some complained about busy-hour seats being occupied by people carrying other brands’ drinks or playing loud games.
For now, the distinction matters: a store encouraging purchases or prioritising paying customers at peak times is different from a confirmed nationwide requirement to buy before sitting.
Source: Nandu / εζΉι½εΈζ₯
Get daily news, tips, and events in Shanghai
Connect with expat communities and industry experts
For the latest jobs & policy updates, scan the code above to follow AnyJob!
If you have any questions about China visa applications (work visa, company registration and more), please contact our visa consultant Alice.
Click “Wow” if you like this article π
No comments:
Post a Comment