LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Starbucks is implementing new and old policies at its cafes in the U.S. and Canada to improve the customer experience.
Beginning on Monday, customers who order a “for here” beverage can get free refills of hot or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea, during their visit. Baristas will serve up these orders in coffee mugs, glasses, or clean personal cups, should customers bring one.
There are a few exclusions, Starbucks warns: You can’t get a free refill of its Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, Ice Tea Lemonade, flavored Iced Tea, or Refreshers. The offer also doesn’t cover to-go orders.
If you’re in a Starbucks cafe, you’ll also find condiment bars are back, complete with creamer, milk and various sweeteners.
The chain has also implemented a “Coffeehouse Code of Conduct” policy, which prohibits panhandling, consumption of outside alcohol, and drug use, including vapes.
Changes at the coffee chain come after Starbucks’ new chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said he wanted to recapture the community coffeehouse feeling that he believes the shops used to have. That includes a practice begrudged by those with difficult-to-spell names.
The company also recently reversed a policy that invited everyone into its stores. You’ll now be required to purchase something if you’d like to hang out in a Starbucks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.