Introduction:A netizen was asked to leave a Starbucks outlet in Shenzhen while putting on makeup, sparking discussion about the boundaries of using coffee shop public spaces. During the incident, the on-duty manager spoke in a raised voice. Although the order was later canceled and an apology was given, it still drew mixed reactions from netizens. This article delves into the details of the event, the statements from both sides, and explores considerations and common misconceptions regarding putting on makeup in coffee shops, helping readers understand public etiquette and boundaries.
Recently, a netizen shared on a social platform that she was stopped by the on-duty manager while putting on makeup at a Starbucks outlet in Shenzhen. She even felt she was treated unfriendly during the interaction, which triggered heated discussion. The individual involved stated that it was an important day as she and her partner were registering their marriage, and she had only wanted to touch up her makeup briefly inside the store. However, after purchasing coffee and bread, she was asked to leave by the staff.
According to the individual, two days before the incident, she called the outlet to ask if it was acceptable to put on makeup there. The staff member replied at the time that it was fine as long as it did not affect other customers. On the day itself, after ordering drinks and snacks, she confirmed with the staff again and moved to a corner seat as instructed. Nonetheless, she was asked to leave by the on-duty manager while putting on makeup. It was also reported that the staff member’s tone was harsh, making her feel disrespected.
Since the outlet is located near the local civil affairs bureau, many newlyweds visit to complete procedures. The person who shared the story also mentioned that over the past year, makeup artists had often done makeup for customers in the same store without being stopped, which made her particularly dissatisfied with this particular experience. She also questioned why simple touch-ups couldn’t be done in a coffee shop.
In response to the incident, the involved outlet stated that if a customer uses products such as sprays or loose powder while putting on makeup—items that might affect other customers’ sense of smell or sight—staff may remind them at their discretion. The on-duty manager did step in to mediate at the time, butthe volume was indeed rather high, causing discomfort to the customer. Afterward, the outlet proactively processed a full refund for the individual and provided two medium-sized drink vouchers as compensation. The regional manager has also stepped in to look into the matter, but specific follow-up actions are not something that can be publicly disclosed at the outlet level.
After the incident came to light, various opinions emerged online. Some netizens believe that Starbucks is fundamentally a coffee and light food beverage shop, not a makeup room or photography studio, and they don’t understand why people would choose to do personal grooming in such public spaces. Other comments pointed out that if there is truly a need for touch-ups, it is recommended to do so at home, in a hotel, or in dedicated spaces provided by wedding photography services, rather than occupying seating resources meant for general customers.
Many netizens also took a more neutral stance, believing that if it’s just applying lipstick or touching up blush—without using strongly scented or easily diffused items like perfume or spray—it shouldn’t disturb others. They speculated that it might have been the use of pressed powder or setting spray, which involve fine particles or scents, that caught the attention of surrounding customers or staff. They also suggested that there may have been other underlying factors in this incident, and that it wasn’t solely due to the act of putting on makeup.
It is worth noting that similar situations have occurred in independent coffee shops as well. Some influencers or commercial photography teams may only order one drink but occupy the shop space for extended periods to take photos. They even move tables and chairs or use other customers’ seats to pose with props, severely affecting the dining and working environment of other guests, as well as disrupting the shop’s operations and brand image.
Taking all perspectives into account, although the Starbucks staff may not have handled the communication aspect of this incident ideally, it also serves as a reminder to consumers: when choosing public spaces for personal grooming or photography, the impact on others should be fully considered, and priority should be given to dedicated venues. If there is a genuine need to put on makeup, it is advised to avoid peak hours, choose a corner seat, and refrain from using products that may emit odors or disperse powders, in order to maintain a good public environment and uphold proper etiquette.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
