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Question: How long can you sit in a cafe reading before you're required to buy a coffee to remain welcomed?

(Posted by: Thomas on 2010-01-24 10:01:26)

I'm at cafe peaberry in Simsbury CT and I need to stick around town waiting for my roommate to get out of work. She works at a local business and i don't want to skip from one cafe to another. i still have four hours to go and I've been here for two.

Posted by: Jessica on 2010-01-24, 10:11:34

As long as there are no signs dictating a time limit, you can stay as long as you like. If it's super busy, it's just polite to drink your coffee and leave, but it's not required.

Posted by: Allison P on 2010-01-24, 10:05:42

You can sit there as long as you want. i suggest getting something right away though.

Posted by: wedos on 2010-01-24, 10:08:25

Just order a cold drink and drink it very slowly.They really cant throw you out if your a paying customer

Posted by: musicimprovedme on 2010-01-24, 10:08:50

You can technically stay as long as you like, as long as the place isn't terribly busy. People are usually welcome anywhere, if they are not a pain in the behind. If you want a strategy? I have an idea. When you first get there, order a drink and leave in a rush, and leave a GOOD tip. This establishes that you are generous and worth taking care of. Then walk around the block or something and come back and the staff will recognize you. If they comment that you are back so soon, you can explain that you have been detained and need to stay awhile to wait for your friend. On your second trip in, conduct yourself with impeccable manners and do not skimp on your wait staff's tip when you leave, it would be like lying. You may not spend a lot on your food and drinks, but if she gives you repeated attention she will deserve a generous tip. Whatever you decide to do, you need to order something when you first arrive, even if it is just an iced tea or a coffee. You can keep getting good service by being friendly to your wait staff, don't hound her for refills but do accept them graciously, and midway through your time, order a meal or a snack and a new beverage. Tip well and say thanks for keeping you company when you leave.

Posted by: Mountian_Baby on 2010-01-24, 10:13:35

You need to buy something if you are just sitting there taking up space. Soda, coffe, etc... Waitress need your spot for paying cusotmers. You care taking money out thier pockets. Go for a walk or sit in the park if you are just going to sit soemwhere.

Posted by: Combat Veteran,Be strong like me on 2010-01-24, 10:20:22

This is entirely up to the owner since it is private property. Most owners are very lenient with this unless you are disturbing other costumers or if they are very busy and need your seat. Just being open to the public does not change the fact that it is private property like many believe. If it were public property like a bench in a city park or a Library you could stay as long as you wanted.

Posted by: Sara on 2010-01-24, 13:16:00

As long as you want if there is no problem.