Community Corner

Starbucks Smoking Ban Starts Today: Is It A Good Idea?

Starting June 1, smoking at outdoor cafe tables or within 25 feet of the coffee house doors will be banned.

Starting today, Starbucks in the East Bay area and across the nation will be smoke-free inside and out. 

The company has banned smoking in Starbucks coffee shops, the outdoor patios and within 25 feet of the doors, according to a company statement.

According to The Huffington Post, the ban will affect about 7,000 stores across the U.S. — both those that have outdoor seating and those that do not.

"We apologize for any inconvenience but we are complying with many current and future regulations," was the explanation that is printed on cards at Starbucks stores.

The company's transition to a completely smoke-free environment could be a radical change for some regulars used to sitting at the outdoor cafe tables to smoke, drink coffee, work on laptops and socialize.

What do you think of the smoking ban at Starbucks? Let us know in the Comments section below.


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