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I think the problem isn't so much that people are using laptops in cafes, but that some people will linger for hours (usually on a laptop, but sometimes not) ta

by kylec 9y ago

I think the problem isn't so much that people are using laptops in cafes, but that some people will linger for hours (usually on a laptop, but sometimes not) taking up a seat that could be used by someone else. Maybe a loosely-enforced 1-hour maximum loitering time might help to get more people cycling through?

KozmoNau7 9y ago
Cafes are places where people go to hang out with their friends, sometimes talking for hours, even though they only bought one or two cups of coffee. A couple of years ago, I reconnected with a childhood friend, after about 10 years of living far apart and only having very sporadic contact. We spent 6 hours talking about everything and nothing, after we finished our burgers. I would have been extremely annoyed if the staff had decided to shoo us out of there after an hour.
- collyw 9y ago
  Who's annoyance takes priority, you hogging a table for 6 hours annoying the owner, or you being annoyed when the owner kicked you out (or asked you to buy something) after a couple of hours?
  - KozmoNau7 9y ago
    Honestly, we simply lost track of time. But, the customer is always right. If it's not clearly signed that seating is time-limited, I will assume it is not. I have been at (rather popular, busy) restaurants where a waiter will politely inform you that they have another reservation on our table 30 minutes later, giving us time to finish up without feeling rushed. Perhaps it's just a polite way to get rid of lingering customers, but we certainly didn't feel as if we were thrown out. In a lot of cases, they'll even inform you beforehand that a reservation is for such and such time, usually 2 or 3 hours. That's perfectly fine and upfront, I certainly don't mind that. I don't go out to just eat and get the hell out. Conversation is absolutely a part of going out to eat, and people don't appreciate feeling rushed.

by kylec 9y ago

KozmoNau7 9y ago

Cafes are places where people go to hang out with their friends, sometimes talking for hours, even though they only bought one or two cups of coffee. A couple of years ago, I reconnected with a childhood friend, after about 10 years of living far apart and only having very sporadic contact. We spent 6 hours talking about everything and nothing, after we finished our burgers. I would have been extremely annoyed if the staff had decided to shoo us out of there after an hour.

collyw 9y ago
Who's annoyance takes priority, you hogging a table for 6 hours annoying the owner, or you being annoyed when the owner kicked you out (or asked you to buy something) after a couple of hours?
- KozmoNau7 9y ago
  Honestly, we simply lost track of time. But, the customer is always right. If it's not clearly signed that seating is time-limited, I will assume it is not. I have been at (rather popular, busy) restaurants where a waiter will politely inform you that they have another reservation on our table 30 minutes later, giving us time to finish up without feeling rushed. Perhaps it's just a polite way to get rid of lingering customers, but we certainly didn't feel as if we were thrown out. In a lot of cases, they'll even inform you beforehand that a reservation is for such and such time, usually 2 or 3 hours. That's perfectly fine and upfront, I certainly don't mind that. I don't go out to just eat and get the hell out. Conversation is absolutely a part of going out to eat, and people don't appreciate feeling rushed.