Officials say no-tipping policy protects students

A state judge Thursday hit Seattle-based Starbucks with a $100 million fine after she found the coffee giant illegally forced California baristas to share tips with their managers. There’ll be no such squabble at the Starbucks on the Long Beach State campus—where tipping is banned. School officials who run the concession say it’s a matter of fairness to students. “We do not believe that CSULB students should be asked to tip when paying for goods and services received through campus venues operated by the Forty-Niner Shops,” said Doug Robinson, vice president of student services. What about the students behind the counter? “It’s a bummer, no doubt,” said one. “Some customers want to break barriers and give us tips, but we aren’t allowed to accept them.” In an email to The District, Don Penrod, CEO of campus stores, said the no-gratuity policy keeps “costs down for students.” A barista’s response was less diplomatic: “It just really sucks. Nothing else to it.”

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