Starbucks' Social Distancing: "Reducing Store Tables and Seating Space"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] Starbucks Coffee Korea announced on the 5th that it will expand the implementation of reducing store tables and seating space by up to one-third nationwide to further strengthen social distancing measures.

As part of the expansion plan, the distance between tables and the spacing between chairs at multi-person tables will be adjusted by 1 to 1.5 meters, and seating will be arranged mainly as two-person seats per table. Additionally, to secure a safe distance, an extra order waiting line will be installed behind the safety line attached in front of the cash register.

Previously, Starbucks had piloted operational measures to reduce the number of tables and chairs and establish order lines to secure safe distances starting March 9th at some stores in Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, which were designated as special infectious disease management areas. From the 26th, the order safety line stickers were expanded to all stores nationwide.

Furthermore, Starbucks is expanding its store hygiene safety etiquette campaign for proactive prevention of COVID-19, providing customer guidance through in-store postings and YouTube Starbucks TV, among other channels.

As a temporary measure, when ordering beverages with personal reusable cups such as tumblers, a 300 KRW discount or Eco Star points accumulation benefits remain, but beverages are served in disposable cups. However, to receive the benefits, customers must bring their reusable cups and have them verified by a Starbucks partner on site.

Currently, Starbucks continues to provide beverages in disposable cups upon customer request in local government areas where the use of disposable cups inside stores is permitted.

Kwon Yong-beom, Head of Operations Support Team, stated, “Since January, we have formed a company-wide task force to respond to the spread of COVID-19 and are working closely with health authorities, focusing on proactive quarantine reinforcement and thorough hygiene management operations.” He added, “We will actively incorporate social distancing measures into store operations for the proactive prevention of COVID-19.”