I like the idea of charging per table and letting the drinks and snacks be free, but I think encouraging and/or forcing a particular 'cozy' environment would be

I like the idea of charging per table and letting the drinks and snacks be free, but I think encouraging and/or forcing a particular 'cozy' environment would be a bad idea. As a college student I like to go to coffee shops to study. It's a great way to get out of the house, maybe meet people, and get stuff done. I always buy something there but I feel bad because I believe I stay (with my laptop on the shop's free wifi) for a long time - probably costing more than I've contributed with my purchase. I would gladly pay a monthly membership fee and pop in and out knowing that I'll get whatever I'm in the mood for without any more expense. In fact, I would probably end up paying more for the 'free' drinks because I wouldn't show up enough to take advantage of the free food. I wouldn't like it if there was no wifi or if the rules about talking to people and reading out loud were enforced. Of course customers could still be screened somehow. A membership card could be swiped or scanned for the drinks (maybe even tracked) and an ID and password for the wifi would keep the freeloaders away, and if any customer becomes too unprofitable (too many drinks or slipping drinks to friends) their membership could be easily canceled.