Starbucks China has clarified the introduction of new operational guidelines, which require a purchase for its store visits, is specific to the North American market.

"In China, we are focused on serving high-quality coffee, and continuously reinvigorating the 'third-place', to deliver a unique Starbucks experience to our customers while enhancing human connections," the company said in an official statement.

Recently, Starbucks in North America announced a revised code of conduct, to "prioritize" paying consumers, reversing a seven-year-old "open-door" policy that allowed the public to stay or use restrooms without a purchase. The new approach seeks to balance welcoming the public while ensuring that paying customers have a comfortable experience.

Starbucks China's customer service said that local stores manage their operations independently, in an interview with the Paper, a Shanghai-based news portal.

"We have not received any notice about restricting non-paying visitors," said a store representative to the Paper.

Jason Yu, general manager of CTR Market Research, said from a business standpoint, prioritizing services and comfort for paying customers is entirely reasonable.

However, many service providers, such as luxury hotels, also choose to offer convenience and thoughtful care in specific situations, which helps enhance their brand reputation, he said. "Both approaches are widely practiced—one driven by a focus on cost-efficiency, and the other by a commitment to delivering a superior customer experience," he added.

Despite the rise of delivery services, Starbucks' appeal as a social space—whether for relaxation, meetings, or work—continues to draw customers to their stores across China.

Kate Zhang, a frequent visitor to Starbucks in her 40s in Beijing, said she hoped the coffee chain retains its warm vibes as a popular spot to meet friends and colleagues.

"I miss the days when you could chat with the barista before heading to work and start your day with a bit of fun. Nowadays, everyone seems so busy—just grabbing a cup and rushing off," she said.

Industry experts in China weighed in on the matter.

A Beijing-based restaurateur surnamed Sun, said that in today's catering environment, where profit margins are increasingly thin, providing seats exclusively to paying customers is often necessary for business survival.

"It's challenging to sustain operations without charging those who occupy space in the store," she said.