The locations have been deemed “unsafe to continue to operate.”
reports that the chain will be permanently closing 16 locations due to safety concerns.
"After careful consideration, we are closing some stores in locations that have experienced a high volume of challenging incidents that make it unsafe to continue to operate," a spokesperson for Starbucks toldThe stores that will be closing at the end of July are located in Seattle, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Portland. Workers in those locations will reportedly be moved to neighboring stores.
Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson, senior vice presidents of U.S. operations, shared a letter with partners on July 11 providing additional details on the closures. Sadly, the growing mental health crisis, rising drug use, and racism were all cited in the letter. "You’re also seeing firsthand the challenges facing our communities – personal safety, racism, lack of access to healthcare, a growing mental health crisis, rising drug use, and more,"reads. "With stores in thousands of communities across the country, we know these challenges can, at times, play out within our stores too. We read every incident report you file – it’s a lot."
Stroud and Nelson did share a good deal of optimism, along with a plan of action in the letter. The company intends to keep Starbucks workers safe both physically and mentally. It includes "Robust safety trainings for all partners," "Clear policies and procedures," "Benefits to help create emotional and financial safety," and several additional steps.