Cafe Requests Laptop Users to Share Tables
A cafe in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, has asked customers to avoid using laptops for extended periods at its tables, as this practice prevents other patrons from finding seats and negatively impacts the business.
Sara Jenkins, owner of Sophie's cafe, emphasized that all customers are welcome but highlighted the need for consideration towards those who come to dine.
In a Facebook post announcing the new guideline, the cafe received over 300 responses, with many commenters expressing support for the initiative, according to Sara.
"It's sometimes frustrating when someone grabs a table for hours during busy periods - because we're losing money," she said.
"I was afraid I was being unreasonable at first, but the response has been very positive so far," she added.
She reiterated that the cafe welcomes a diverse clientele, including older adults, young people, students, and children.
"We welcome everyone - old, young, students, children.
But we're a cafe that works quickly, and we're always busy - every customer has been served within about five to 10 minutes."
Extended Table Use by Laptop Users
Sara described an incident where a customer arrived shortly after 08:00 and remained at the table until at least 10:15, having only consumed toast and coffee while working on a laptop for over two hours.
"We asked him if he would like to anything else - but he didn't, and unfortunately we had to ask him to leave shortly afterwards.
"I hate to feel awkward or make someone else feel awkward, but we're not a cyber cafe - we don't even have sockets at our tables.
"I'm very proud of the response there to the message so far - everyone in the comments has welcomed the request - which makes us feel better," she said.
Comparisons with Other Cafes
Steff Rees, who frequently visits cafes and shares his reviews on his Instagram account Crwydryn y Garleb, aims to identify the best cafes in west Wales and beyond.
During a recent holiday in the Netherlands, Steff visited Cupp, a popular cafe in Utrecht, which charges customers €2.50 per hour if they bring a laptop to work on.
Reflecting on his experience, Steff noted that Sophie's cafe's request aligns with practices seen elsewhere.
"I saw several cafes with specific rules to restrict laptops, which included a complete ban or a ban during busy hours such as lunchtime," he said.
"Two measures that are quite common across Europe and Britain, not just this cafe in Aberystwyth."
He explained that Cupp implemented this policy to help sustain their business and that they provide a designated quieter table equipped with plugs for customers who wish to work on laptops.
