Starbucks Canada has announced it will start requiring customers to wear face masks or coverings while in its cafes beginning mid-September.
According to Starbucks Canada, the rule will come into effect at all of its company-owned locations in Canada on Sept. 14.
Starbucks says the policy is aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.
The company said at select locations where a local government mandate is not in place for face masks, customers without a facial covering will have various options to order their Starbucks through drive-thru, the curbside pickup option in Starbucks’ app or placing an order for delivery through Starbucks Delivers.
Starbucks is already requiring all of its employees to complete a pre-check before their shift that included taking their temperature, putting on a mask and washing their hands.
The company has also upped store cleanings to ensure high-contact surfaces are sanitized frequently.
Starbucks isn’t the first company in Canada to make face masks mandatory this past month.
Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills imposed a mandatory face mask policy on Aug. 29.
Face masks are also mandatory at all Walmart Canada locations.
Both BC Ferries and BC Transit are now requiring passengers and staff to wear masks, as well.
While other parts of Canada have opted to mandate masks in public spaces, British Columbia hasn’t decided to make it a requirement at this time.
With files from The Canadian Press
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