As spending customers, do we have the right to bring outside drinks to an eatery?
Malaysian influencer and lawyer, Jiang recently shared a video on his Facebook 江昭上 of his attempt to bring an outside beverage into a 5-star Japanese restaurant in a KL mall. He intended to find out if it would be an issue for him as a spending customer to bring 1 outside drink into the premise.
Jiang approached the receptionist and requested a table for 2 with the drink in his hand. The receptionist did not say anything about the drink and while waiting for his seat, Jiang browsed through the menu and ordered from an employee of the restaurant, who also did not mention anything about his outside beverage.
Jiang purposedly held the drink in his hand while pointing to the menu to make his order, an obvious hint that he would be bringing the drink into the restaurant. It seemed that he had passed the “barrier” out there but could he say the same about his dining experience?
He was seated right in front of the chefs who were preparing orders and let’s just say, no one bat an eye.
The cashier was also friendly to him when he was paying for his meal, despite the presence of his outside drink. Jiang made it out without any issues.
“Did you see that? I went to a high-class Japanese restaurant with my outside drink, and there was no problem at all!”
His successful attempt was also a reminder to other food vendors out there who berate customers for not buying their drinks.
“As customers, if we are spending for food in your restaurant, then you shouldn’t make noise about us not buying your drinks.”
Just last week, a Kopitiam owner in Puchong berated one of the customers for bringing an outside drink to his place, and called him “brainless”. The owner has since issued a public apology.
Have you ever brought your own drink to an eatery?
Also read: “As long as you’re happy” – Cafe in KL Welcomes Customers to Visit Even if They Don’t Order Drinks
