CreatripTeam

Starbucks Korea has restricted consumption of outside food and drinks at its stores nationwide starting Sept. 13, allowing only baby food (yuyaeu/infant formula and weaning food) for customers with infants. The move follows complaints and online posts showing people eating strong-smelling or messy outside dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and fried snacks in stores, or occupying seats without purchasing. Earlier this year the chain also limited use of personal equipment like desktop computers and printers to curb long-term seat occupation. The policy aims to preserve Starbucks’ role as a ‘third place’ and protect store environment and other customers’ experience.