Decision that will upset freelancers: New restrictions for customers with laptops in cafes

Remote and freelance work habits, which have become increasingly common in Istanbul since the pandemic, have led to tension between cafe owners and customers who bring their computers and stay in the venue for long hours. Work groups that fill cafes from the early morning hours in popular districts such as Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Şişli are not providing the expected increase in revenue for business owners.

According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, business owners struggling to balance rising rent, energy, and personnel expenses have turned to taking various measures to keep their businesses afloat due to the customer profile that sits at tables for hours while spending little.

"THE VENUE IS FULL BUT REVENUE IS LOW"

In recent days, many cafes have started hanging signs on their doors banning working with computers on weekends. In numerous establishments, customers are asked to keep their laptops closed or not bring them at all throughout the weekend. Shopkeepers state that this practice aims to generate more income from the significantly increased weekend traffic. One cafe manager summarizes the gap between customer density and revenue as follows: "The venue is full but revenue is low."

A NEW ERA IN CAFES: RESTRICTIONS ARE COMING

Business owners are not only restricting computer use. New limitations have also started to be applied to Wi-Fi service. In many venues, an internet password valid for only 1.5 hours is now printed on the order receipt. Users whose time has expired are automatically disconnected. This is how they are combating customers who use the internet for long hours with just a single coffee.

Similarly, increasing measures regarding electricity usage are drawing attention. Many cafes are either physically covering the power outlets at tables or allowing them to be used only under waiter supervision and for a fee. Additionally, some businesses require customers who exceed a certain amount of time at a table to place a new order every two hours or to meet a minimum spending requirement.

All these steps reveal the effects of the work culture that changed with the pandemic on the sector and the efforts of cafe owners to adapt to new conditions. These restrictions, which business owners in different districts of Istanbul have started to implement in various forms, may become more widespread across the city in the coming period.

News Source: 12punto