Consumers’ Assoc Penang Says F&B Operators Should Not Impose Extra Fee for Not Ordering Drinks

A coffee shop in Penang recently made headlines for the wrong reasons after they publicly shamed a customer for not ordering drinks. The owner of the coffee house, Lim clarified that he has since apologised to the old man before deactivating the shop’s official Facebook account following the massive criticisms online.

Now, let’s talk about the fee imposed by the owner on customers who don’t order any beverages. To those visiting the coffee shop, you’ll be imposed a “fee” of RM1 if you do not order any drinks, and it’s a rule for each table to have AT LEAST 1 drink. Do you think it makes sense for us to pay a fee for not ordering drinks, or has the owner gone overboard with this?

“It’s forcing customer”

The chairman of the Penang Consumer’s Association, Mohideen Abdul Kader believes that a customer should not pay for something he does not order. Mohideen said that F&B operators should not charge customers anything additional if they don’t order any beverages, as long as they have ordered and paid for their food.

“I’ve ordered and paid for my food. Why should I pay more?”

Mohideen added that customers who have ordered food have the right NOT to order any drinks and should not be forced into making decisions.

So, what should you do if you’re caught in the situation?

For illustration purposes only

In an interview with the media this afternoon (March 22), Mohideen urged the consumers to report the matter to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) or the Penang Consumers Association.

Just yesterday, Lim clarified that he has no plans to cease the operation of his business. He also confirmed that the business closure announcement was a hoax, and there is a possibility for him to lodge a police report in regard to the matter.

Fellow Penangites, if you have been to the viral coffee shop, what do you think of the food and service there? As for the other consumers, do you think it’s wise for restaurant operators to impose a fee for customers who order food without drinks?

Also read: Restaurant in Penang Gets Slammed for Publicly Shaming Customer Just Because He Didn’t Order a Drink