Waiting in a coffee shop without purchasing anything?

[BRX]

Well, if you want to turn civil trespass into criminal assault, feel free.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to where you've got that idea from. I'm suggesting that people should not feel afraid to go in stand inside a warm cafe area if it's cold outside and there isn't a proper waiting area. If they are asked to leave, so be it. I'm not suggesting they assault anyone.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

If Starbucks can put pressure on passengers (by asking them to leave) in an attempt to resolve the conflict, why shouldn't passengers push back?

I'm at a bit of a loss as to where you've got that idea from. I'm suggesting that people should not feel afraid to go in stand inside a warm cafe area if it's cold outside and there isn't a proper waiting area. If they are asked to leave, so be it. I'm not suggesting they assault anyone.

I don't think Bletchleyite was implying anything of the sort - perhaps you should re-read your own posts...?

 

[Bletchleyite]

I don't think Bletchyite was implying anything of the sort - perhaps you should re-read your own posts...?

I sort of was and sort of wasn't - there is a suggestion of "pushing back" which doesn't sound to me like leaving when requested!

 

[Robertj21a]

Perhaps if Starbucks start complaining to the station owners that their outlet is losing money because it is crowded out by people who don't want to stand in the freezing cold, thanks to the lack of adequate waiting facilities, then perhaps that would motivate the station owners to provide a proper waiting room.

So while it might be within Starbucks' rights to ask people to leave I'd encourage people to continue to use it as a waiting area if there's no other option. Let Starbucks and the station operator sort this issue between them.

Do we think that protecting Starbucks' ability to be profitable is a more worthy aim than letting people wait for their train somewhere warm?

I certainly wouldn't encourage any rail passengers 'to continue to use it as a waiting area' - Starbucks have every right to have you ejected. Don't involve an innocent 3rd party just trying to run their business, deal with whoever runs that station.

 

[Antman]

The waiting rooms at Clapham Junction seem to double up as tea rooms as well, so I can understand pax thinking that the same might be the case at Woking. Perhaps you should write in to SWR rather than just moan about it here? You say the small waiting room was 'full'. So full you could not squeeze in?

The one on platform 9/10 at CJ seems to fulfil both roles without a problem and is quite well used, oddly enough it's quiet time is the evening peak when nothing stops on platform 9.

I was at Tonbridge recently and there is a polite notice on the coffee shop door asking those not purchasing anything to use the waiting room further down the platform.

It's a bit of dilemma, understandably everyone wants shelter in the winter.

 

[Robertj21a]

The one on platform 9/10 at CJ seems to fulfil both roles without a problem and is quite well used, oddly enough it's quiet time is the evening peak when nothing stops on platform 9.

I was at Tonbridge recently and there is a polite notice on the coffee shop door asking those not purchasing anything to use the waiting room further down the platform.

It's a bit of dilemma, understandably everyone wants shelter in the winter.

....so buy a drink !!!

 

[PeterC]

It is usually easy enough to tell which outlet is purely a catering outlet and which is a waiting area which contains a refreshment stall. However naming the outlet at Whitby The Waiting Room and then having to put up a notice saying that The Waiting Room isn't THE waiting room does seem to be going a bit too far to confuse the public.

 

[Qwerty133]

I've addressed that one upthread - free water is for use of customers who purchase other items or at a push those in a group with them e.g. a designated driver in a pub who doesn't like the soft drink options on offer (often all too sweet).

If you want to sit in privately leased/rented/whatever commercial premises, buy something.

On a railway station or in a pub I'd agree.
At venues that charge for entry (clubs, stadiums, arenas etc) I consider it perfectly acceptable to ask for as much tap water as you may want (especially at places that do not permit food or drink being bought in and charge £4 for a small soft drink).

 

[Bletchleyite]

On a railway station or in a pub I'd agree.
At venues that charge for entry (clubs, stadiums, arenas etc) I consider it perfectly acceptable to ask for as much tap water as you may want (especially at places that do not permit food or drink being bought in and charge £4 for a small soft drink).

Yes, if you've paid for admission I agree. At coffee shops, pubs etc admission is paid by buying food and drinks.

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Yes, if you've paid for admission I agree. At coffee shops, pubs etc admission is paid by buying food and drinks.

Whilst I agree...

Now, wait for it... there'll be the ones coming on who defend their "entitlement" to sitting in a coffee shop on the platform by saying they have "paid for admission" by buying a rail ticket to travel

 

[HowardGWR]

I wonder if the OP did write to the TOC, as suggested (first) by me?

 

[jon0844]

Whilst I agree...

Now, wait for it... there'll be the ones coming on who defend their "entitlement" to sitting in a coffee shop on the platform by saying they have "paid for admission" by buying a rail ticket to travel

I am sure there will be some that will just push their way into a staff/mess room and expect a cup of tea to be made for them, showing their Gold Card and saying 'I pay your wages!'.

 

[yorksrob]

It is usually easy enough to tell which outlet is purely a catering outlet and which is a waiting area which contains a refreshment stall. However naming the outlet at Whitby The Waiting Room and then having to put up a notice saying that The Waiting Room isn't THE waiting room does seem to be going a bit too far to confuse the public.

Made all the more confusing by the fact that Whitby doesn't have a waiting room anyway ! (To my knowledge anyway).

 

[Antman]

....so buy a drink !!!

What on earth are you talking about?

 

[MotorcycleAlan]

The OP asked what to him or her was a perfectly reasonable question. Within 9 minutes he/she acknowledged the answer which to most was obvious. He/she need never enter the premises again as 4 days later enough hot air is being generated to avoid the need........