SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A change to a San Diego-area Starbucks may prompt those who rely on the coffee shop's electrical sockets to go elsewhere for coffee and work.
Customers of the Starbucks at 320 W. Valley Parkway in Escondido, California were surprised to find the change to the store's electrical sockets made recently.
An employee told Scripps Station KGTV-TV adding covers to sockets in the dining area was meant to deter loitering or nefarious activity.
The bathroom, however, still has an open electrical socket.
A Starbucks spokesperson told KGTV-TV the decision to grant access to electrical outlets differs store-to-store:
"We want our stores to be the third place, a warm and welcoming environment where customers can gather and connect. Any customer is welcome to use Starbucks spaces, including our restrooms, cafes and patios, regardless of whether they make a purchase."
"The decision to provide access to electrical outlets is made on a store-by-store basis to support the needs of the business. This varies by store design and layout, and the amount of traffic the store supports."
