Starbucks Implements Restrictions on 'Study Café' Users
Starbucks Korea is implementing restrictions on individuals who use its stores as personal offices, commonly referred to as 'study café' users.
According to the food service industry on the 7th, Starbucks Korea notified its nationwide stores the day before (on the 6th) to prohibit customers from using personal desktop computers, printers, multi-plugs, dividers, and other equipment.
Additionally, the company has arranged for relevant announcements to be posted in stores starting from that day and has instructed store partners (employees) to directly inform customers engaging in such practices.
"Dividers in cafés… Even 'saving seats'"
Recently, cases of individuals using domestic Starbucks stores as personal offices have become a hot topic, particularly within online communities.
In June, a post titled "There's a seat-saving villain at my local Starbucks" went viral on social media, accompanied by photos depicting a divider installed on a Starbucks table, along with various equipment such as headsets, keyboards, mice, and tablets.
The author, referred to as A, mentioned, "They always save a seat like this and aren't even there," and added, "On that day, they never returned for the entire three hours I was there."
They further commented, "What bothered me was not that they brought all the equipment, but rather that they were occupying a seat without making any use of it. Even if they had brought even more impressive equipment, I would have thought, 'That's amazing,' but it annoys me that they are just reserving a seat without actually using it."
Starbucks Korea, along with this measure, is also advising customers who leave their seats for extended periods to take their belongings with them.
A representative stated, "This guidance aims to provide Starbucks visitors with a pleasant and convenient store experience while also preparing for the risk of theft and loss of belongings when leaving seats unoccupied for long periods."
Image source: Photo provided by Starbucks Korea, online community, 'inconsiderate study café users' captured at a Starbucks in Japan / x(twitter)
