By The Canadian Press

The front window of a downtown Starbucks Coffee store is shown in Toronto, May 10, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy)
TORONTO — Starbucks Canada says it will start requiring customers to wear facial coverings while in its cafes in mid-September.
The company says the rule will come into effect at all of its company-owned cafes in Canada on Sept. 14.
Starbucks says the policy is aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Customers who arrive at a Starbucks without a mask will have the option to use the drive-thru, order curbside pickup using the company’s app or seek delivery.
Starbucks previously started asking all of its employees to complete a pre-check before their shift that included taking their temperature, putting on a mask and washing their hands.
The company also upped its store cleanings to ensure surfaces that are touched often are sanitized frequently.