Starbucks: A unique day of action

On Saturday October 26th at 11am, people who stammer will be heading to six Starbucks stores across the UK, bringing their family and friends in a unique demonstration against Starbucks. They'll be ordering something to drink. 
 

At Starbucks, customers are asked to provide their name as part of the ordering process. STAMMA, the national charity for people who stammer, are keen that Starbucks be made aware that many who stammer find it hard to say their name on demand. They've reached out to Starbucks to discuss the issue but have been rebuffed. 
 

STAMMA have also published an Open Letter to Starbucks, signed by a number of high profile people who stammer: 

• Paul Gerrard, Campaigns, Public Affairs & Board Secretariat Director, The Co-op 
• Martin Radvan, Company Chairman, Weatherby's 
• Baroness Janet Whittaker 
• Scroobius Pip, Actor, podcaster 
• Rodney Earl Clark, Opera & Musical Theatre Performer 
• Hannah Tovey, writer
• Jon Smith, Sports Agent
• Arwel Richards, Businessman & Columnist. 

The letter is also signed by Kamran Mallick, CEO, Disability Rights UK. 
 

Working with STAMMA are the group Stammering Pride: read their statement. 

Jane Powell, CEO at STAMMA said, "83% of those we polled who stammer, said it's hard to say their name on demand. All we're looking for is a conversation with Starbucks about how they can make a welcoming space for people who stammer." 
 

The stores targeted are: 

• London: 13b Hanover Square, London W1S 1HN and 3 Tower Place, London EC3R 5BT
• Glasgow: 27 Sauchiehall Street, GS 3AT 
• Liverpool: Ranelagh St, Liverpool L1 1JW 
• Doncaster: Silk Road, Doncaster DN2 4LT 
• Grimsby: Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby DN31 3BP. 

Update, Sept 2026

STAMMA are delighted to announce their partnership with Starbucks, who have rolled out training for its baristas in the UK to recognise and accommodate people who stammer. Read the latest press release.