Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJustin RohrlichTuesday 01 September 2026 22:11 BSTStarbucks to close ‘some’ UK stores as part of global restructureFormer Los Angeles barista Aaron Gomez filed a federal lawsuit against Starbucks after being violently assaulted while enforcing the store's paying-customers-only restroom policy.The assailant threw a cash register, a metal cup, and loose items at Gomez, who was later fired for throwing a pitcher of sweet cream in self-defense.Gomez is seeking compensatory and punitive damages as well as reinstatement, alleging wrongful termination following his workers' compensation claim.Steven Soifer, co-founder of the American Restroom Association, urged Starbucks to relax its bathroom policy, saying toilet access is a civil rights issue.Starbucks requested that the court dismiss the lawsuit, asserting that Gomez was terminated for a legitimate business reason after violating safety policies.In fullExclusive: Starbucks barista sues following wild melee with guest over ‘restrictive’ bathroom policyMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in