Clearwater Starbucks to Go Smoke-Free June 1

Joe Camel is no longer welcome at Starbucks starting Saturday, June 1.

That is when Starbucks in Clearwater and across the nation will become smoke-free, joining a growing number of restaurants and bars that prohibit smoking.

Across the U.S. smoking will be banned inside the Starbucks coffee shops, at the outdoor patio areas and within 25 feet of the doors, according to a company statement.

"We apologize for any inconvenience but we are complying with many current and future regulations," was the explanation that is printed on cards at Starbucks stores.

The company's transition to a completely smoke-free environment will be a radical change for the loyal customers who've made a habit of sitting at the outdoor cafe tables to smoke, drink coffee and read from laptops or socialize.

But the company has not tried to highly publicize the impending ban at its neighborhood shops, where the wifi connections are free and customers are welcome to spend an hour or the entire day.

What do you think of the smoking ban at Starbucks? Will you welcome it, or do you oppose the new restrictions? Let us know in the comments below.

Which is your favorite Starbucks location in Clearwater?

Here are some spots, listed below:

• Starbucks Coffee 433 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33755 727-462-2200

• Starbucks Coffee 2530 N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33761 727-723-3289

• Starbucks Coffee 2577 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762 727-556-2523

• Starbucks Coffee 2719 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33759 727-726-6662

• Starbucks Coffee 4000 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762 727-556-2523

• Starbucks Coffee 18421 Us Highway 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33764 727-507-9427

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