Starbucks CEO Admits Stores No Longer Safe in Major US Cities

The head of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, admitted that the chain’s stores are no longer safe in a number of major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Portland, Philadelphia, and Washington.

“I must say, in my view at the local, state and federal level, these governments across the country and leaders, mayors and governors, city councils have abdicated their responsibility in fighting crime and addressing mental health,” Schultz said.

“I don’t have to spend too much time on what’s going on in the country and how America has become unsafe,” Schultz said. “But you all read the press release last couple of days about the fact that we are beginning to close stores that are not unprofitable.”

“Safety, welcoming and kindness for our stores. In a world that is increasingly isolating and often divided, we can operate in a way that knits together the fabric of our neighborhoods,” the memo states. “We can expect to protect each other, respect and include each other, and work together to create the kind of safe and welcoming environment we need at work.”

The company will also give store managers the authority to close down bathrooms or limit seating options amid safety concerns, the spokesperson told news outlets earlier this week.

Last month, Schultz announced he would consider ending the company’s “open bathroom” policy “to provide a safe environment for our people and our customers.”

Earlier this week, 7-Eleven’s corporate headquarters encouraged local franchises in Los Angeles to shut down after five armed robberies at locations in the area left two people dead.

Schultz, who spent decades as the chief executive of the coffee chain, was named interim CEO in April. With an estimated worth of about $3.8 billion, Schultz was long associated with the Democratic Party before becoming an independent in 2019. He endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016.

The Epoch Times has contacted Starbucks about Schultz’s comments.