SMU's fourth Public Cleanliness Satisfaction Survey, which was released on Aug 18, showed that people think hygiene standards at coffee shops have become worse. SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan, who led the survey, said the poorer perception of cleanliness at coffee shops could be attributed to several reasons, including how the COVID-19 pandemic has raised hygiene expectations and reduced tolerance for dirt.