that’s weird. i work at a stand alone starbucks in america so it might be different. but u don’t have to buy anything to sit there

You have asked this in every Starbucks subreddit. While it may not be a corporate policy, the cafe you are in may be licensed and not follow corporate policies. It’s also kinda rude to use a facility and not be a patron of the store. You are taking space from a paying customer. Also corporate stores allow free refills of hot or iced coffee, or teas after the first purchase is made. So buying one small tea or coffee allows multiple refills throughout your time in the cafe. Buy something or sit in a park?