The new rule comes as part of a push by Starbucks' new chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, to reinvigorate the chain's sagging sales.

Starbucks is reversing its open-door policy after almost seven years, now requiring that people make a purchase if they want to hang out at its coffee shops or use its restrooms. The coffee giant said on Monday that a new code of conduct – which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores – will also ban discrimination or harassment,