I found the papers explaining the new coupon policy at the register closest to self checkout one day and read through them. Later I asked the SrGSTL about the policy and she explained that it was currently in effect and that the items and coupons must match, and that if the coupon says trial sizes are excluded, we will not accept them on trial size items, even if it scans.
Today we had a guest come in and try to use coupons on trial size items, and the new GSA asked me to help her. She wanted to make sure it was alright for her to deny these coupons. I read the fine print on the coupon and our coupon policy and we denied her coupons. She got upset and ended up leaving all her items. Our newish ETL-GE walked by and the new GSA asked him about the policy. He said "If it scans we take it." This was in direct contradiction to what I've heard from a former GSTL current Starbucks TL and my SrGSTL. I mentioned the new policy to him and he smirked and repeated "If it scans we take it."
I hate getting conflicting information like this!!