In its latest effort to crack down on non-members accessing the warehouse retailers’ members-only services, Costco is limiting access to its food courts to store members only.
The news of the recent crackdown was shared with Nexstar by a store representative. While the policy isn’t new, it hasn’t always been enforced like it will be now, according to the store representative.
The food court at Costco often makes headlines, as the store’s iconic pricing for its hotdogs and pizza has remained stagnant in recent years despite the record-breaking inflation that’s hit the country.
Now, news of the food court crackdowns come as a photo was shared to Reddit, showing the enforcement of the members-only policy at a store in the Orlando area.
“Effective April 8, 2024, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court,” the sign in the image says. “You can join today. Please see our membership counter for details.”
Nexstar reported that several Costco locations have confirmed the plans to more strictly enforce the policy from now on.
Costco has been cracking down on memberships in recent years, including last June when it announced plans to check customers’ photo IDs when they use self-checkout.
“We don’t feel it’s right that nonmembers receive the same benefits and pricing as our members,” Costco said in a statement at the time.
The same appears to be true now, as the warehouse retailer once again looks to keep its offerings private to those paying for a membership.