Going to Starbucks? You’ll soon have to wear a mask at company-owned stores

Starbucks announced Thursday that customers who visit company-owned stores in the U.S. will be required to wear face coverings.

The requirement will go into effect on July 15 and is part of a “continued effort in prioritizing the health and well-being of partners (employees) and customers,” the company said in a news release.

Starbucks has 8,903 company-operated stores in the U.S., according to data current through March 29, the company said.

Starbucks stores that are located in areas where local governments have not mandated face coverings will serve people who don’t wear masks in the drive-thru, via curbside pickup or through Starbucks Delivery, the company said.

“The company is committed to playing a constructive role in supporting health and government officials as they work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Starbucks said.

Last month, the coffee giant announced it would close 400 stores and shift its focus toward on-the-go service in an effort to serve changing customer preferences amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Starbucks said it will increase curbside pick-up and drive-thru options at company-operated stores and roll out Starbucks Pickup Locations in larger markets, including New York City, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco.

These mobile-order-only locations are intended to work hand in hand with the company’s app through which customers can order and pay ahead.

This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 10:33 AM with the headline "Going to Starbucks? You’ll soon have to wear a mask at company-owned stores."