First time here today for coffee. Had to use the bathroom first. The manager made a very big deal over me using the bathroom saying it was "private" and "not for guest," and that I should "keep it clean."
I bought an espresso after and sat down to read Citizen: An American Lyric, by Claudia Rankine. It poetically renders the realities of racism against black people.
A tall white blond-haired female German guest walked in with her equally tall white partner (their kiss said they're partners). She used the bathroom no fuss.
Upon paying, I asked why the inequity in bathroom access. He quipped, "Oh, it has nothing to do with personality. I didn't know if you were going to buy something; she ordered first." I pressed him further, explained coffee is a diuretic, and customers may have to pee before consuming it.
Long story short, he couldn't fathom the inequity of allowing whites easier access to the toilet. There is a history of separate bathrooms for blacks in the US. Not being able to use the bathroom is what got the black Starbucks guys arrested was it not?
Every visitor may become a loyal guest. It's limiting and insecure to think otherwise. They may buy something; have a great experience, and come back daily.
Let all customers use the restroom with equal access. Treat everybody the same. If you must buy something before peeing, post a sign in the window denoting such. Deciding differently between guests looks discriminatory, especially when the guest is black. read more