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Long-Standing Starbucks Tattoo Policy May Be On Way Out

By Paul Kurtz

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Starbucks is reconsidering its policy that requires workers with tattoos to cover up.

There's been a buzz among baristas since Monday when Starbucks asked on its Facebook employee page: "How do we strike the right balance between self-expression and professionalism?"

The question is raised amid an online petition drive urging the coffee giant to change its dress code.

"I think it's a good move," says Nick -- a three-year veteran barista who sports a pair of tattoo sleeves.

He's gone along with the company program without complaint, but says if the policy changed, he will set them free, mostly for practical reasons:

"On those hot , summer days it'll be a relief. Sometimes the air conditioner is broken here so it can get pretty humid and you're moving around a whole lot doing a lot of physical activity so it gets pretty humid and it's kind of unbearable to wear a lot sleeve shirt."

Nick also says long sleeves can get in the way when wiping down tables and countertops and washing dishes.

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