PSA: Cafes enforcing two-hour limits on tables now

I've been hitting up cafes to code for years, and lately, I see more places with signs about two-hour max stays. It started with a few chains, but now even some indie spots are doing it. As a retail manager, I get it, empty tables mean lost sales. But for us trying to work, it's a hassle to pack up mid-session. What I do now is scope out cafes in quieter neighborhoods or near colleges. They tend to be more relaxed about how long you sit. I found a place by the university that only cares if you buy a drink every so often. It's made my afternoons way more productive without the stress of getting kicked out.

3 comments

3 Comments

river_gonzalez663mo ago

Does your cafe enforce the limit all day or only when busy? I go in the late afternoon when it's empty. Then I buy a second coffee if I stay past two hours. Staff usually don't mind if you're spending money.

sage7873mo ago

Consider the cafe's struggle to make rent. Honestly, two hours is plenty for a coffee and some work.

finley5242mo ago

Totally agree with that. A single coffee doesn't cover the cost of someone camping at a table for half the day. Think about the power for their wifi and lights, plus cleaning the space after. If a place gets known for free office space, it fills up with laptops and then actual coffee drinkers walk out. That lost customer flow is what really hurts.