Some of us probably bring our own drinks to eateries including water bottles, to cut costs or to keep track of our diet.
However, it appears that eateries are starting to charge patrons who do not order drinks.
According to The Star, a coffee shop in Penang is making customers pay 50 sen per person if they sit within the eatery’s premises without ordering any drinks.
In an interview, the coffee shop owner said that he did not mind when patrons occupy a table without ordering any drinks. But it soon became a habit where customers would come in and order food from the hawker stalls, but not cough up a single sen for a drink.
Frustrated, he decided to put up a sign telling those who don’t order drinks that they must pay a 50 sen fee per person.
“Sometimes, up to five customers would sit at a table without ordering any drinks. Most of these customers were tourists and I felt they should order something at the very least.”
He added that if the customer pays the 50 sen surcharge, he serves plain water.
“It is fine if only a few from the entire group at a table order drinks. At least it helps to cover my costs and the overheads,” he added.
He hopes that his sign will encourage those who visit his business to show empathy and support and that in return, he will not disappoint with his hospitality. He said that “many customers have developed a better understanding and we respect each other more“.
Growing practice
It also appears that this has become a standard move with most coffee shops in Penang, with some even asking for RM1 as a “pit stop charge” if no drinks are ordered.
A food court nearby charges customers who do not order any drinks RM1. Its operator said the practice was to deter people from sitting for free.
“Many customers come to order food and leave the tables dirty for our waiters to clean up. A cup of water costs 60 sen so customers can choose to order this instead of paying RM1 for nothing.”
Do you agree with this practice?
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