Customers who hog tables

Georgesgran

Don’t get me started!!

I’m in a University City and can safely say that during term time the cafes are overrun with students, many with half the contents of an Apple Store laid out on the table in front of them. However, often an entire table is occupied, but only one of the crowd is having a drink - usually a bottled water!

I’ve long thought it an idea to hand out a wrist band or coloured token with a purchase, which could last up to an hour or 90 minutes and a polite ‘warning’ given that time is running out and those wanting to stay longer should make another purchase and get a different coloured token.

I know there’s a ‘kind’ reason why Starbucks allow people to sit all day - something to do with an incident in the USA I think.

I know there’s a ‘kind’ reason why Starbucks allow people to sit all day

... 'Third-Place" policy.

Builds community and 'neighbourliness' which makes the town or city a desirable place to live - which is ultimately good for business.

I just looked it up!

I do not fluff my words I don’t care who it is I just say I want that seat.

I say 'would you like to move your (whatever it is) or shall I?'

Don’t get me started!!

I’m in a University City and can safely say that during term time the cafes are overrun with students, many with half the contents of an Apple Store laid out on the table in front of them. However, often an entire table is occupied, but only one of the crowd is having a drink - usually a bottled water!

I’ve long thought it an idea to hand out a wrist band or coloured token with a purchase, which could last up to an hour or 90 minutes and a polite ‘warning’ given that time is running out and those wanting to stay longer should make another purchase and get a different coloured token.

I know there’s a ‘kind’ reason why Starbucks allow people to sit all day - something to do with an incident in the USA I think.

Our local cafe is closing because of the mums turning it into a creche twice a week. The manageress has been telling us for months they were in trouble. 3+ mums and their numerous youngsters come in and take over a quarter of the cafe for most of the morning and buy 3 coffees. They bring their own food and drinks for the children. Some of the mums don't even buy a coffee, they just come in to chat. Between them, their children, their prams, toys and shopping they can take over 4 or 5 tables so others can't use them. The really annoying bit is 10 yards away is an indoor soft play area so they could get take away coffees there, give their children a safe place to play and leave space in the cafe for paying customers.

I also find it annoying if people sit chatting long after their coffee cups are empty, whilst other diners are searching for a table.

Indeed.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Some folk are just so bluddy entitled are they? 😡

... that's exactly what they are.

They need reminding that 'life' isn't all about them... like the inconsiderate, irritating individuals who park over two bays.

And, it's all age groups.

The café table hoggers are oblivious to any others. I work in a cafe and have watched how they do it.
It's the usual suspects every time.
Because I know them now, I join them, go over and say hello and ask them what they are up to and shame them gently into admitting they are using the cafe as a free office. Sometimes I suggest that the library would be an even better place.

Trains! Packed train, standing in the aisles, pre Christmas, a woman had her suitcase taking up a seat so I told her she must let me sit down. Where can my case go? Well I moved it but was squashed against it for the whole journey, Newark to Edinburgh.

I think our trains are bad though, overcrowded and expensive.

Some folk are just so bluddy entitled are they? 😡

One day (maybe!) I'm going to brave enough to say I hope I won't damage anything by sitting on it, then hopefully watch them quickly move it out of the way!

Recently on a train in Tuscany. After a long day trailing round Florence…. A man in his mid 40s was taking up two seats with his bags and laptop. I stood by him looking hopeful for a few seconds, but he ignored this much older (but still stunningly attractive woman, 👩 ha ) , ie me.
Using my limited Italian I asked if the seat was free and he just refused point blank to move his stuff. . There were no other seats available. He pointed to the next carriage….which was also full. What a charmer.

I would approach these people politely.
On a train I would just ask them to let me sit down.
It usually works and it's nothing to do with cowardice, just common sense.

I'm far too cowardly to ask.
I get on my own wick, being so polite, and "nice" and pathetic.

MissAdventure

Oh yes, train huggers are the worst!
They refuse to acknowledge you standing in front of them, looking hopeful.

I just ask, "Is that seat free?" with a smile.
Never had a problem getting them to move their stuff, usually with an embarrassed apology.
They know they're in the wrong and on a crowded train I don't think anyone would have the brass neck to refuse when asked directly 😉

Hoggers.

Oh yes, train huggers are the worst!
They refuse to acknowledge you standing in front of them, looking hopeful.

Train hoggers too. They take up the whole of the table meant for four people with their laptop, phone and papers and give resentful looks to people who need a seat.

David49

If there was just one person occupying a table I would just join them

It’s what we usually do if that’s the only seating left. There are a variety of reactions when we do, but most are polite.

There are bus seat huggers, bench huggers, they're everywhere, setting up their own personal offices.

If there was just one person occupying a table I would just join them

Have you mentioned it to the staff? Some of them do ask people to vacate tables if other customers are waiting. It is annoying, I agree. They are just taking advantage of free WiFi.