Offering free wireless Internet and comfortable seating, Starbucks franchises have become popular locations for “squatters.” But the coffee giant has decided to crack down on those who monopolize customer seating, reports
CBS New York.
High-traffic Starbucks locations in New York City are beginning to cover their electrical outlets to discourage squatters. The move comes after years of customer complaints that certain people are hogging the seating in Starbucks locations for hours at a time.
“Customers are asking. They just purchased a latte and a pastry, and there is nowhere to sit down in some of these high-volume stores,” said Starbucks spokesman Alan Hilowitz.
Customers are welcoming this latest business move with open arms. “I mean, you can’t use their electricity for like eight hours. I mean honestly,” said Alan Glowko, a longtime Starbucks customer.
But others argue that, if they buy even one cup of expensive coffee, they should be able to stay and use the free Wi-Fi as long as they please.
Starbucks is giving individual stores control over whether to begin covering electrical outlets.
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