‘Disgusting’: Starbucks workers at Melbourne CBD cafe spat at by pro-Palestine protesters

Police are searching for a group of pro-Palestine protesters who spat at staff working the New Year’s Eve shift at the Starbucks cafe on Swanston St in Melbourne.

Workers at the Starbucks cafe on Swanston St were spat at by pro-Palestine protesters. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Pro-Palestinian protesters stormed a Starbucks cafe and spat at staff during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Melbourne’s CBD overnight.

Police are searching for a group of people who intimidated approximately four staff members working a late shift across from the State Library on Swanston St on Tuesday night.

It is understood protesters involved in a pro-Palestinian march through the CBD marshalled inside the foyer of the American coffeehouse chain just before 10pm.

When staff were provoked by angry protesters, the manager quickly called police for assistance.

Victoria Police said the incident lasted about 45 minutes. Picture: Valeriu Campan

A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed officers had responded to a cafe during the pro-Palestinian march, which lasted for about 45 minutes before they were forced to disperse protesters.

“There was a nasty incident reported where a couple of protesters spat at staff at a coffee shop on Swanston Street,” she said.

“Investigators are working to identify those involved.”

The Herald Sun has been told protesters also stole merchandise displayed around the store without paying. Victoria Police confirmed items had been stolen.

Police were told protesters were also heard making “anti-Israel chants” once they entered the store.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Police confirmed on Wednesday afternoon the spitting act had been officially reported, following further inquiries by investigators.

Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert labelled the actions against employees as “disgusting” and said police would continue to look for those involved.

“We are looking – subsequent to that protest activity – (at) what’s a fairly disgusting incident that’s been reported of someone being spat at by protesters,” Mr Gilbert said.

It is understood police are looking to acquire CCTV from inside the Starbucks as part of their efforts to identify those protesters.

Starbucks has drawn the ire of pro-Palestinian supporters. Picture: Valeriu Campan

In a statement following the incident, Starbucks Coffee Australia said they were “deeply concerned” about what had occurred at their Swanston St store overnight.

“All our partners (Starbucks employees) and customers are safe and we are working closely with Victoria Police who are investigating the incident,” the statement read.

Starbucks has drawn the ire of pro-Palestinian supporters, who have called for consumers to boycott the coffeehouse because of their ties to the US, who have continued their support for Israel.

It comes more than one year after protesters targeted one of several stores around the city during a rally in November 2023.

At the time there were similar calls for boycott against the American multinational after the company sued their workers union over a post to X showing support for Palestine in the wake of the October 7 attacks.

More than 45,000 protesters brought the city to a standstill during the ensuing march, with some members stopping outside a Starbucks store to call out employees and customers.

Stickers with the Palestinian flag and others with a crossed-out Israeli flag were stuck to the windows and on the iconic green and white Starbucks signage.

At the time of the incident, staff were forced to lock the doors of the cafe to protect customers still inside.

Palestine protesters on New Yers Eve spat on staff and stole some merchandise at a Starbucks cafe on Swanston Street. Picture: Valeriu Campan

There have been well over 60 pro-Palestinian rallies and marches through the CBD since October last year, with a weekly Sunday protest outside the State Library still a staple event.

Mr Gilbert said the protest on New Year’s Eve was a small, largely unproblematic affair despite the incident at Starbuck.

“We did have a small pro-Palestinian demonstration, or protest, late yesterday that was in the city area between the (State) Library and down towards Swanston St and Flinders St,” he said.

“It was a small crowd of well less than 100 people, they weren’t there for a very long time.

“We are used to these protests unfortunately, but gladly the revellers were able to move around quite freely around them.”