The age of free water at Starbucks is no more. In January, Starbucks rolled out several changes per the new CEO’s aim to “return” to the old Starbucks. Several–both customers and employees–were opposed. One of the most divisive changes, however, has been about Starbucks’ free water policy.
A United States Postal Service Worker found out the change the hard way after walking into the coffee chain for some water, only to be sorely disappointed. In a viral TikTok, USPS worker @melaninglowesthetics shares her disbelief with over 737,000 viewers, sparking controversy around Starbucks as a whole.
“Imagine working out of a tin can in 100 [degree] heat, trying to stay alive and walking into Starbucks for a cup of ice water, and they tell you NO!” @melaninglowesthetics wrote in the text overlay of her clip. In the video, she films from inside her USPS truck, shaking her head at the camera with an incredulous expression.
She’s not the only one demanding answers from the major coffee corporation. In the comments, viewers lambasted Starbucks and its new CE, Brian Niccol, for changing a policy many considered a major perk.
‘Starbucks just lost my business’
“As a mail carrier, Starbucks just lost my business!” a top comment read. Another described the company as “corporate greed wrapped in cold foam.”
“Last time they get mail, or my business. Period.,” one user said, to which the creator replied, “Period!!! I’m now home with heat exhaustion.”
Others, however, accused the USPS worker of being entitled.
“No business is required to give you a cold drink for free because of the job that you chose. sincerely, an amazon driver,” one said.
What is Starbucks’ new policy on free water?
In January, several new guidelines were rolled out in regard to the Code of Conduct. One of them was that instead of offering free water, only paying customers could request it, reversing its open-door policy. This also applied to using the bathroom–only paying customers were allowed to use the facilities.
In an article by Business Insider, a Starbucks told manager shared that the “new policy could make it easier to tell people who are being disruptive or potentially dangerous to leave the store.”
But not everyone sees it that way. On TikTok, many are lambasting Starbucks–and its new CEO–for the change. In one viral clip, a mom says a Starbucks worker denied her water to make a bottle for her baby. Another TikTok revealed how a woman was also denied free water, and even the option to purchase it.
In many of these TikToks, a handful of users pointed out how this policy might not align with a law in a certain state.
“In Arizona it’s literally illegal to deny someone a cup of water. Should be that way everywhere,” one commented.
Was it true?
According to the Jackson White Law, it isn’t.
“In Arizona, there is no statute that states it is illegal to refuse water to someone else in the state,” the law firm states. “This myth grew because of lack of formal information, and looking through the statutes, you won’t find any mention of the law.”
Unfortunately, it seems even with record heat waves, folks and other service workers will have to look elsewhere if they want the respite of a sip of H2O.
@melaninglowesthetics Essential workers don’t ask for much. Just basic human kindness. A little compassion goes a long way. #fyp #fypシ゚viral #usps #postalworker #starbucks ♬ Night Trouble – Petit Biscuit
The Mary Sue reached out to @melaninglowesthetics via TikTok message and to Starbucks via email.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
