Contaminated water forces seven Vietnamese Starbucks stores to close
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Coffee chain Starbucks has temporarily closed seven outlets in Hanoi, Vietnam as the city copes with serious oil contamination of its water supply.
According to a customer service staff member, the Starbucks Hanoi stores are closed in areas where water comes from the Da River, including Cau Giay, Ha Dong and Nam Tu Liem districts. The coffee chain has not confirmed a reopening date.
The contamination traces back to a truck seen dumping used oil into a mountain creek in Phu Minh Commune, Hoa Binh Province last week which has led to contaminated tap water for about 1 million Hanoi residents.
While Starbucks is not alone in closing stores, other major coffee chains and eateries in the contaminated areas have arranged alternative sources of water and remain open.
Local news media report that tap water has now passed safety tests, but Hanoi officials advise consumers against drinking or cooking with it.
Meanwhile, there are widespread reports of bottled water prices soaring in the city as people rush to buy safe water. While tap water in Vietnam is not considered safe to drink it is generally acceptable to use it for cooking.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why have these specific Starbucks stores closed while other businesses remain open?
Why have these specific Starbucks stores closed while other businesses remain open?
Starbucks has closed stores in areas receiving water from the Da River. Other major coffee chains and eateries in these contaminated areas have arranged alternative water sources to stay open, unlike Starbucks.
Q.When can customers expect the closed Starbucks stores to reopen?
When can customers expect the closed Starbucks stores to reopen?
The coffee chain has not provided a specific reopening date for the affected stores. Their temporary closure is due to the oil contamination in Hanoi's water supply.
Q.What is the current safety status of the tap water in Hanoi?
What is the current safety status of the tap water in Hanoi?
Local news media report that the tap water has now passed safety tests. However, Hanoi officials are still advising consumers against drinking or cooking with it as a precaution.
Q.What has been the wider impact on residents in Hanoi due to the water contamination?
What has been the wider impact on residents in Hanoi due to the water contamination?
Approximately one million Hanoi residents have been affected by the contaminated tap water. There are widespread reports of bottled water prices significantly increasing as people rush to buy safe alternatives.
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