The Starbucks franchise has unleashed a new policy: smokers will be forbidden to light up a cigarette within 25 feet of its storefronts, Fox News reported.
This new policy, which also bans smoking on patios, has just gone into effect on June 1 nationwide and Canada. 81.3 percent of the U.S. population lives under some kind of a ban on smoking, either in the workplace, restaurant or bars, according to the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation.
"Starbucks is the first chain to go smoke-free on its patios," Executive Director of the Nonsmokers' Rights foundation told FoxNews.com. It has typically been left up to the state. "It's huge. What Starbucks is doing differently, by banning smoking outside and on the patio, is showing leadership," she said.
Some have taken to social media to express their displeasure. "I am now boycotting Starbucks!! They have banned smoking within 25ft of their entrance!!", one Twitter user reportedly wrote.
Regardless, it is mostly a popular initiative.
"I can't speak for Starbucks, but considering our own motivation and commitment to go smoke-free, it seem there are only good intentions when you take that type of action," Sean Cummings, who runs the boutique hotel International House in New Orleans said.
Starbucks spokeswoman Jaime Lynn Riley says the intent is to expand the indoor no-smoking policy to the outdoor seating areas.
"If there were any concerns, we would hope to resolve it amicably." Riley said, referring to a customer who might be smoking within the restricted area.
The rule will apply to the 7,000 cafes owned and operated by Starbucks, regardless of whether they have outdoor seating areas, Christian Science Monitor reported.
