A part-time barista at a Los Angeles Starbucks was violently attacked after enforcing the store’s policy that only paying customers could use the restrooms, according to a federal lawsuit filed by the employee, Aaron Gomez. The incident occurred on May 13, 2025, at a Starbucks near the Los Angeles airport. Gomez claimed he was merely following instructions from his supervisors when a guest became angry and escalated the situation. The complaint states that the guest first became verbally aggressive, then threatened physical harm, and eventually attacked Gomez, throwing objects like a cash register, a metal cup, and drinks from the refrigerator at him. In self-defense, Gomez reportedly threw a pitcher of sweet cream at the assailant, who then fled. Gomez was later fired for throwing the pitcher, which he claims was necessary to protect himself. Gomez had previously expressed concerns to his manager about the potential dangers of enforcing the restroom policy, which has fluctuated over the years. According to the most recent Starbucks “Coffeehouse Code of Conduct,” restrooms are only for paying customers. This policy is supported by the National Retail Federation, which asserts that businesses have the right to set their own rules regarding restroom access. A Starbucks spokesperson told The Independent that the company is aware of the claims and is reviewing the matter but cannot comment further due to ongoing investigations. Steven Soifer, co-founder of the American Restroom Association, a nonprofit advocating for wider public restroom access, called the incident part of an ongoing debate over bathroom policies. While the association does not support violent behavior, Soifer argued that the customer had a valid claim to restroom access, calling it a civil rights issue. He noted that many Starbucks employees do not strictly enforce the policy and that the company has been inconsistent in its approach. Despite this, the association has not pursued legal action against Starbucks due to the high cost of such a case. Gomez was hired as a barista in November 2023 and worked between 25 and 35 hours per week. His lawsuit states he was a dedicated employee who performed his duties satisfactorily. After the assault, he submitted an incident report and provided written statements to Starbucks management. He also requested security footage of the incident but was denied access. A month later, he was suspended and eventually fired for throwing the pitcher of cream, which he claims was an act of self-defense. The manager who witnessed the attack was also terminated. Gomez is now seeking compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and other damages, while Starbucks has denied wrongdoing and requested the case be dismissed. A scheduling conference is set for October 2 in Los Angeles federal court.