Starbucks locations in a North Carolina city will be the company's first locations in the southeast to be "Safe Places" for LGBTQ people to wait for police if they've been harassed or the victim of a hate crime.
The News & Observer reports the program is part of the Durham Police Department's strategy to reduce hate-related harassment and crime. On Wednesday, one of Durham's eight company-operated Starbucks was the first to get a "Safe Place" decal by its front door.
Starbucks workers will be trained how to respond if someone comes in for help.
Police Chief C.J. Davis says she learned of a "Safe Place" program in Seattle and has been working with the LGBTQ liaison officer to implement it in Durham for two years.
The program also includes six other shops.
