By Hope Carreon Walking in crowded cafés with tables congested with laptops and books and seats occupied by backpacks is not an unfamiliar scene in popular coffee chains in Taiwan like Starbucks and Louisa. One might be lucky to find an empty table, but it's often the ones without a power outlet – of course, that would not be a problem if you just want a fresh beverage; however, customers whose primary goal is not to quench their thirsts but rather seek solace in the ambient noise and cozy café atmosphere in the hopes of completing school or business tasks, a power outlet and access to the internet are considered commodities especially if you are planning to prolong your stay.
Coffee shops have evolved beyond mere suppliers of caffeine and pastries; they have become the gold standard for modern-day workspaces for many individuals, especially students, remote workers, or digital nomads. The availability of amenities like free Wi-Fi, good lighting, charging cables, and electric outlets make coffee places attractive alternatives to traditional libraries or offices and provide a welcome departure from the distractions of home. Additionally, the aromatic blends, hiss of the espresso machine, keyboard clicking, people chatting, and moderate background music appeal to patrons who don't prefer complete sterility and isolation and want to fire their creativity. The allure of cafes is truly undeniable; however, some customers seem to extend their welcome to these work hubs, which leads to the debate of whether a single order entitles one to unlimited access throughout the day. Is lodging a table for hours acceptable, nursing a single cup of coffee while engrossed in study or work? Does such behavior infringe upon the implicit social contract of patronage, potentially harming the business's revenue? There are already many terms that have arisen to pertain to overstaying customers, like laptop hobos and laptop squatters. Some coffee shops that are mainly owned by private and small businesses have already established house rules to discourage such customer use, including a minimum purchase to dine in and time limits on how long one can occupy a table or use Wi-Fi without making additional purchases. On the other hand, cafes from rather large corporations adopt a more relaxed approach, allowing patrons to linger for extended periods without imposing the conditions above. Most articles or vlogs that make lists on what not to do or how to behave in cafes have somewhat included overstaying as a no-no. They strongly indicate that workspace services are a courtesy and should not be abused or taken for granted. Still, many customers don't actively practice such common courtesy. It could be because they can't afford to have another order, lose track of time, or just intentionally feel no obligation whatsoever to give up their seats even in peak hours. The lack of policing and leniency also allows these patrons to think that what they're doing is not damaging at all. From a business perspective, prolonged occupation of tables by a solo customer can indeed impact profit, especially during peak times when seating is in high demand. This raises concerns about fairness to other customers and the need for establishments to balance hospitality with profitability. Though, the issue is not merely about economics; it touches upon broader societal norms and individual preferences. Some coffee shop regulars may appreciate the relaxed, community atmosphere that encourages lingering and socializing. Others may prefer a more structured approach that prioritizes turnover and efficiency. Ultimately, the question of whether overstaying in coffee shops is acceptable boils down to personal values and social awareness. While businesses may implement policies to manage customer behavior, the responsibility also falls on patrons to exercise courtesy and mindfulness. Perhaps the real etiquette of coffee shop culture is not about rigid rules but rather a mutual understanding and consideration for other's needs and the business's sustainability. In a world where digital connectivity blurs the boundaries between work, leisure, and socializing, finding a harmonious balance in shared spaces like coffee shops requires ongoing dialogue and adaptation. As individuals, we have the power to shape these social norms through our actions and choices. So, the next time you settle in for a study session or work remotely from your favorite cafe, consider not just the quality of the coffee but also the impact of your presence on the broader community. a
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The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
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