Tempe police say talks with Starbucks were ‘meaningful and positive’

PHOENIX – The Tempe Police Department said Monday its dialogue with Starbucks officials has been “meaningful and positive” in the days since a barista asked six officers to leave a coffee shop because their presence made a customer uncomfortable.

The department released what it said would be its final statement about the July 4 incident that made national headlines.

The statement said discussions have included Chief Sylvia Moir, the Tempe Officers Association, members of the department and Starbucks executives.

“Both organizations and the individuals involved in the meetings remain committed to serving and safeguarding communities while fostering inclusiveness, dignity and respect,” the statement said.

We had a profound few days with the @Starbucks team & we are doubling down on our commitment to join together in service of all people! pic.twitter.com/EYrCLbTpzq

— Sylvia Moir (@ChiefMoir) July 8, 2019

“This will be the final statement regarding this incident as we are working to move forward.”

Tempe Officers Association President Rob Ferraro said officers met Monday with Moir and the coffee giant’s leadership.

He said Starbucks again apologized for the incident, and the officers “came away from the meeting feeling heard and respected.”

Starbucks’ Executive Vice President Rossann Williams reiterated the company’s apology in a note to Moir after their talk.

The day after the incident, the association tweeted about it, saying the officers were drinking coffee in the Starbucks at Scottsdale and McKellips roads when a barista asked them to leave or move where the customer who “did not feel safe” in their presence couldn’t see them.

The officers were disappointed, but they did leave, the association said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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