Starbucks drops school outlet plan

Dubai: Starbucks has scrapped a plan to open an outlet in GEMS Jumeirah Primary School.

Stephen Chynoweth, headmaster of the school, wrote to parents on Sunday informing them that Starbucks has withdrawn the plan.

"Whilst there have been a large number of positive comments in relation to the coffee shop proposal there have also been concerns from others. Starbucks have now informed us that they are withdrawing their involvement. Therefore, the coffee shop installation will be removed shortly and the reception area returned to a similar design as before," he wrote to parents yesterday.

Starbucks was not available for a comment.

The GEMS School's plan to open a branded coffee shop on the campus had sparked a debate with many people questioning the ethics in commercialising school campuses in addition to safety and health concerns. The school was to share profits with Starbucks and the amount was to be pumped back to school to buy equipment.

The idea to open a coffee shop came as a response to parents' demand for a comfortable waiting area in the school and the need to have a quality refreshment service.

"The whole thing was absurd. I am happy, better sense has prevailed at last. As parents we are looking forward to have a nice coffee shop which suits an education environment, and hope the school will continue it efforts," said a parent.