Police probe launched after Pro-Palestine protesters allegedly steal from and spit on Melbourne Starbucks staff

Police are investigating reports that a pro-Palestine protester spat on a Starbucks employee during a New Year’s Eve demonstration along Swanston street in the Melbourne CBD. Speaking to NewsWire, the manager of Swanston Street Starbucks said protesters first entered the store some time around 10pm. In an updated statement on Wednesday, Victoria Police said they had initially received reports that some had allegedly spat at staff in the store. “Officers arrived a short time later and were told by staff that a number of people had attended the store making anti-Israel chants,” a police spokesman said. “A number of people in the group then (allegedly) stole items from the store and left without paying. “The investigation into the incident is ongoing.” While pro-Palestine demonstrations are a regular fixture on Swanston Street, the adjacent Starbucks had not previously had any issues with the protesters, who organise every Sunday. NewsWire was informed four staff members were working late when the incident took place. It’s not known what started the altercation, although Starbucks has long been boycotted by many pro-Palestine activists for its alleged links to the state of Israel. Starbucks has long denied that it has any links to Israel. The ugly scene comes after the Victorian government recently legislated new “Social cohesion” laws in response to increasingly violent protest clashes. Under the new laws, face coverings, certain flags and attachment devices are banned at protests. NewsWire has contacted Starbucks for comment.