Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) is s fine place for the homeless and deranged to spend their time. The purchase of one cup of coffee gives them access to comfortable chairs, bathrooms, and music for hours the same way that it does for all the coffee shop firm’s partons.

There appears to be more mentally troubled and homeless people in Starbucks stores. That may be because of the recession, or it may simply be an impression based on an unscientific sample.

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The problem with allowing troubled people to be served at any public establishment is the risk that their presence causes for other patrons. But, giving the deranged and homeless a place for shelter is, from an ethical standpoint, a service to society, at least to the extent that  these people might endanger themselves walking the streets of sleeping on the streets.

Starbucks, McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD), and other large food retail chains can hardly screen people for mental competence or violent tendencies, but some patrons are disturbed enough to be spotted by almost any coffee shop employee.

All businesses with large stores that offer people a roof over their heads are going to be an attractive shelter as the number of people who are unemployed increases. Establishments with comfortable seating are even more attractive.

Starbucks may simply choose to serve anyone who comes into its stores. It may be the compassionate things to do, but it also begs the question of whether the ethics of compassion trumps the ethics of risk to other customers.

Douglas A. McIntyre

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