Starbucks And Marijuana: Lawsuit That Says Starbucks Asked For Job Applicants' Pot Use Records Might Go Up in Smoke
If ever there was a retail heaven for day trippers, it's Starbucks. Wi-fi, air-con and a cozy armchair to sit in with your shades on: Stoners really couldn't ask for much more when it comes to time-sucks.
Keila Ribeiro
But as it turns out the Seattle-based chain once asked job applicants in these parts to disclose any marijuana-related convictions. It also turns out that California law says you can't do that.
So a trio of applicants sued for alleged damages. Problem is, they didn't have marijuana convictions on their records (and thus didn't have "standing" to sue). So then they tried to force Starbucks to reveal any applicants who did so they could opt in to the suit. But a state appeals court in Santa Ana this week gave this one to the coffee chain:
It said Starbucks doesn't have to reveal any records of applicants with stoner pasts.
The coffee chain says that's a first step in dismissing a suit plaintiffs said could be worth $26 million.
Lily Gluzberg, a spokeswoman for Starbucks, told Bloomberg News this:
We are pleased with the court's ruling setting aside further discovery in this matter and paving the way for dismissal of the lawsuit.
But the plaintiffs' attorney says they'll be back -- with an appeal that could make it all the way to the California Supreme Court.
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