Starbucks Korea expands social-distancing plan

Starbucks Korea will expand social-distancing measures across its branches nationwide from Thursday, after a successful trial at some stores in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.

The company plans to ensure a safe distance between customers and employees is maintained when ordering by placing safety line stickers in front of checkout counters.

Furthermore, for a limited time, customers will not be able to bring their own reusable mugs.

When ordering drinks using individual multi-use cups, customers will still get benefits for being eco-friendly, such as discounts or points, by showing personal cups. However, customers will be provided the drink in a disposable cup. This strategy was introduced in the US a fortnight ago and has since been implemented in many markets across Asia.

Meanwhile, Starbucks will also conduct campaigns such as asking people to wear masks when ordering, and to dispose of paper straws in trash cans.