Starbucks says it will close 16 US stores out of concern for employee safety

Executives say the coffee giant's stores were not immune to problems related to mental health and drug use

Starbucks will close 16 US stores by the end of July, citing safety concerns and disruptive behavior at locations in Los Angeles, Seattle and other large cities.

Six stores in Seattle, six in LA, two in Portland, one in Philadelphia and one in Washington DC will close, a Starbucks spokesperson confirmed.