Starbucks barista sues after melee over bathroom policy
By The BriefBrief
A federal lawsuit filed Aug. 17 says a part-time Starbucks barista at a Los Angeles-area location was attacked after telling a guest they could not use the restroom without first making a purchase. Court filings reviewed by The Independent describe the guest becoming verbally aggressive, threatening physical harm, and then charging and attacking the employee.
WHO:Aaron Gomez
WHAT:Aaron Gomez filed a federal lawsuit alleging he was violently assaulted by a guest after enforcing a Starbucks bathroom policy requiring a purchase first.
WHEN:Reported Sep 1, 2026 at 3:51 PM ET
WHERE:Los Angeles, USA
WHY:The assault followed Gomez telling the guest they could not use the restroom without first making a purchase.
Reporting from 1 identified publisher for this event.
