STARBUCKS TO CLOSE
SIX HIGH INCIDENT LOCATIONS IN LA

Starbucks announced that it will be closing six locations in Los Angeles in the coming weeks due to what the company calls a high frequency of “challenging incidents.”

The coffee giant stated it was prioritizing “creating a safe, welcoming, and kind third place.”

Starbucks’ Third Place policy dictates that its stores should be a “safe and welcoming public space” and employees, such as baristas, are encouraged and expected to address “disruptive behaviors.”

The company will evaluate modifying operations, closing bathrooms or closing stores altogether if stores cannot promise a safe environment for customers and employees.

In total, Starbucks will be closing 16 stores in major cities. In addition to Los Angeles, store closures are happening in Portland, Seattle, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

The Los Angeles Starbucks locations that will be closing include the following:

• 1st and Los Angeles (inside the Doubletree hotel)
• 2nd and San Pedro
• Hollywood and Vine
• Hollywood and Western
• Ocean Front Walk (Santa Monica Pier)
• Santa Monica and Westmount

The company confirmed that employees in the closing stores will have the opportunity to transfer to other locations.

The stores are expected to close by the end of July.

Photography Courtesy Of: Starbucks