Starbucks bans consumption of outside food across all stores

Starbucks Korea has begun enforcing a nationwide ban on the consumption of outside food at all of its stores, aiming to curb disturbances caused by customers bringing in and eating food from elsewhere. The company, operated by Shinsegae Group, began posting notices on Monday at its 2,050 stores across Korea saying that all outside food and beverages are prohibited from being consumed inside. Baby food is exempt from the rule. The move marks the first time the major cafe and dessert chain has implemented such a ban. The company, however, noted that it is not the first time it has made a similar request. “We previously asked our patrons to refrain from eating ‘foods with strong odors.’ That notice dates back to before the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. However, the warning was rather subjective and somewhat unclear. This time, we are introducing the ban in a much clearer way,” a company official said. The move follows a series of online posts showing customers eating foods inside Starbucks stores. Viral photos on social media featured dishes such as tteokbokki (spicy simmered rice cakeWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times