Coffee giant Starbucks is reversing course on its bathroom policy, requiring that people make a purchase to use the store’s facilities or to hang around inside.

Since 2018, the chain has allowed people to stay inside its stores and use its restrooms regardless of whether they bought something. On Monday, Starbucks publicized its change in policy with a new code of conduct put up on its website.

“Our Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers have and is designed to provide clarity that our spaces — including our cafes, patios and restrooms — are for use by customers” and employees, Starbucks wrote.

Rules include no misuse or disruption of Starbucks space, no consuming outside alcohol, no smoking, vaping or drug use, no panhandling, no violence, and no discrimination, abusive or threatening language or harassment.

Anyone not complying with the rules will be asked to leave the store, and Starbucks said it may involve law enforcement in those requests if needed.

The new policy will take effect on Jan. 27, according to The New York Times.

Other new practices will include asking customers whether they want their drink to-go or not, and offering one free refill of hot or iced coffee to customers who opt to drink their beverage at the Starbucks location.

The refilled beverages are only available to customers using a ceramic Starbucks mug or a reusable glass; the perk had previously only been offered to members of the Starbucks loyalty program, according to CNN.

The open-door policy at Starbucks was implemented in 2018 after employees at a Philadelphia location stopped one of two Black men waiting to meet someone for business from using the restroom because they had not bought anything.

Employees then called the police, who arrested the two men, The Associated Press reported.

The encounter was caught on video and started a social media firestorm, leading Starbucks to open its cafes and their restrooms to anyone “regardless of whether they make a purchase.”

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.