Sarasota Starbucks to Go Smoke-Free June 1

Joe Camel is not welcome at Starbucks starting Saturday.

On June 1, 2013, Starbucks in Sarasota and across the nation will turn  smoke-free, joining a growing number of restaurants and bars that prohibit smoking.

What do you think of the smoking ban at Starbucks? Let us know in the Comments section below.

Across the U.S., smoking will be banned inside Starbucks coffee shops, in the outdoor patios 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 some regulars used to sitting at the outdoor cafe tables to smoke, drink coffee, read from laptops and socialize.

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

Will you welcome or oppose the new restrictions? Let us know in the comments below.

Which is your favorite Starbucks location? Click on the link, and post a review!

• Starbucks 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34239 941-366-8168

• Starbucks 8201 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34238 941-925-1698

• Starbucks Coffee 3571 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239 941-924-7200

• Starbucks Coffee 1375 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34239 941-952-9912

• Starbucks Coffee 5191 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 941-921-0506

• Starbucks Coffee 4321 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231 941-924-4027

• Starbucks Coffee 5321 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232 941-343-0463

• Starbucks Coffee 2805 University Pky, Sarasota, FL 34243 941-358-6486

• Starbucks Coffee 1401 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236 941-955-0273

• Starbucks Coffee 5485 University Pkwy, University Park, FL 34201 941-351-1509

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