Bobba Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 These squatters are those people who buy one coffee then totally occupy a table by setting up an Office with their laptop, mobile phone, business diary and paperwork. They stay there for a considerable time, working and making calls, presumably with the inconsiderate mindset that one small coffee in over an hour gives them the right to deprive others the use of that table. I do not understand why staff do not cajole them into buying another coffee or simply ask if they've finished and clear away the empty cup as a hint to leave. It must be obvious to staff and/or owners that squatters lose them trade and income but they do nothing about it. I experienced an even worse example the other evening at "The Watershed" in Bristol. ( a great venue, a converted harbourside dock warehouse with three small cinemas and an open plan restaurant / bar / coffee shop ). Having been to the early cinema, four of us wanted a drink and a meal. Of a row of 4 seater tables five were occupied by single squatters with laptops etc each with one empty coffee cup or drink glass: and a six seater bench table was occupied by what seemed to be an in progress business meeting with only plastic water bottles on the table. We were unable to find a seat and waited at the bar. Another couple at the bar had been waiting 30 mins for a table and were equally frustrated by the situation. They confirmed that all squatters had purchased only one small drink. All of us went elsewhere and The Watershed lost six meals an twelve drinks. Probably over £100 in lost trade. I'm not sure what the answer is or if there is an answer at all. Perhaps the general public (excluding the squatters) do not regard it as a problem and I should learn to live with it. Meanwhile, I will vote with my feet and spend my hard earned cash where squatters are discouraged and I can get a table. Rant over. Thanks for listening. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 I find "Do you mind sharing" gives them a hint if they are on a big table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackpowder Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 I do like the Watershed when visiting family in Bristol, but as Bobba says there are a lot of tables taken up by individuals using the site as an office. Blackpowder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Breastman Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Ah yes, the Billy-No-Mates syndrome. Considering this is no longer an infrequent occurrence I think cafes and pubs should have single person tables if the staff don't have it in them to ask them to move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 I see a lot of the same people around where I live in the coffee shops. Almost all of them use the shop as a hub to progress their pyramid scheme (you've got to call it multi-level marketing now though). Juice plus is quite a common one round here. Just don't get drawn into it, or you're going down a slippery slope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Welcome to Bristol. The council (and lots of other organisations) are closing down all their offices and locations, hot desks are the new 'in thing'. Would be very surprised if many of the people you describe aren't at least some of those workers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaffertoo Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Just go and buy a jammer ,turn it on now and again ,block the Wfi as said now and again ,,,,,,,bad but nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Just go and buy a jammer ,turn it on now and again ,block the Wfi as said now and again ,,,,,,,bad but nice Although funny 😂😂 for the person doing important work (and if it's the social service workers I mentioned above) then probably not ideal for the people desperately waiting for services 🙈 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12gauge82 Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Just get on with it. This country is massively overpopulated and unfortunately we've all got to play nice, otherwise more rules and regulations. Im sure it's a bigger worry for the businesses concerned than yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Just go and buy a jammer ,turn it on now and again ,block the Wfi as said now and again ,,,,,,,bad but nice Also illegal and dangerous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ph5172 Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 (edited) A local cafe used to have a sign declaring it was a cafe and not an office. As times have changed the cafe has.... it now has 'office seats' - basically a high breakfast bar along the window and down one side with powerpoints and cup holders (to stop drinks being knocked over), there are signs on the 'normal' tables saying no laptops. They said in the local paper they have realised that in the morning people early for the train will sit in as its cheaper for a drink and warmer than the station platform, a majority ask for the coffee direct into a thermos mug and take it out as the time for their train approaches then when the builders and tradesmen have finished second breakfast its a bit quiet and the odd coffee and free wifi allows them to keep the heating on and cafe open by grabbing student trade and those who have finished meetings early and are waiting for trains. Edited November 18, 2016 by ph5172 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Also illegal and dangerous. Illegal certainly, but dangerous, how is that dangerous? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Its a common problem and is the responsibility of the Management, they are the ones you should complain to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adge Cutler Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 (edited) These squatters are those people who buy one coffee then totally occupy a table by setting up an Office with their laptop, mobile phone, business diary and paperwork. They stay there for a considerable time, working and making calls, presumably with the inconsiderate mindset that one small coffee in over an hour gives them the right to deprive others the use of that table. I do not understand why staff do not cajole them into buying another coffee or simply ask if they've finished and clear away the empty cup as a hint to leave. It must be obvious to staff and/or owners that squatters lose them trade and income but they do nothing about it. I experienced an even worse example the other evening at "The Watershed" in Bristol. ( a great venue, a converted harbourside dock warehouse with three small cinemas and an open plan restaurant / bar / coffee shop ). Having been to the early cinema, four of us wanted a drink and a meal. Of a row of 4 seater tables five were occupied by single squatters with laptops etc each with one empty coffee cup or drink glass: and a six seater bench table was occupied by what seemed to be an in progress business meeting with only plastic water bottles on the table. We were unable to find a seat and waited at the bar. Another couple at the bar had been waiting 30 mins for a table and were equally frustrated by the situation. They confirmed that all squatters had purchased only one small drink. All of us went elsewhere and The Watershed lost six meals an twelve drinks. Probably over £100 in lost trade. I'm not sure what the answer is or if there is an answer at all. Perhaps the general public (excluding the squatters) do not regard it as a problem and I should learn to live with it. Meanwhile, I will vote with my feet and spend my hard earned cash where squatters are discouraged and I can get a table. Rant over. Thanks for listening. Myself and 3 others experienced this at the very same venue only two weeks ago..Is that the one with the big exposed roof structure inside...? we went to the Arts Cinema ....the place was heaving and several of the multiple tables were as you say occupied by singles with lap tops.. We did ask very politely of the management to ask one of them to move to an adjacent table with another single occupant on it but they refused to do so. So we asked the same of the young man studiously tapping away at his tablet and his laptop simultaneously if he would be kind enough to move to the nearby table where there was a rather pleasant young lady doing similarly...he looked at us as if we were from another planet and said " err No. ! " We had already ordered some food and so my friend who is quite an extrovert and not shy at coming forward, pulled over another spare chair and the four of us sat on his table..." you don't mind do you" said my friend and he sat touching shoulders with this chap so close he could smell his after shave.. We just proceeded to chat away albeit quite loudly and he got up and said "do you mind you are invading my privacy and preventing me from working"... "err No" said my Friend ... He wasn't going to move and we didn't really mind that he didn't. I suppose we should have tried the nice young lady first. Anyway we had our meal and a few drinks and an hour later left the table...he was still studiously engrossed in some spread sheets when we left and my friend said he could finish the carafe of house red if he wanted.. and said jokingly..."have another look at that income prediction in Cells A6 - A 11 if I were you ..just doesn't look right. !! " Its the free wi - fi which is doing it. Edited November 18, 2016 by Adge Cutler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMT Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Maybe the "everything is free just pay for the time" model will become more popular. Those that have opened seem to be doing well and turning a profit.http://www.ziferblat.co.ukEven with this business model some people still take the **** by popping in and filling their face as quickly as possible before leaving and paying for just a couple of minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger-Mouse Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Maybe the "everything is free just pay for the time" model will become more popular. Those that have opened seem to be doing well and turning a profit. http://www.ziferblat.co.uk Even with this business model some people still take the **** by popping in and filling their face as quickly as possible before leaving and paying for just a couple of minutes. Interesting idea. Do you know how much they charge per minute? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveboy Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Easy sorted,First 30mins free Wifi.After that it cuts you off and asks for credit card. That's what Premier Inn have in their rooms and most hotels abroad too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guzzicat Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Don,t ask just join him at the table ignore him & chat loudly about your drain problems etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 For what places like Costa charge for coffee, I would happily sit there all morning using their wi fi In fact I did when our broadband was out, but I did buy 2 coffees and two cakes first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Cakes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davyo Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 (edited) Although funny for the person doing important work (and if it's the social service workers I mentioned above) then probably not ideal for the people desperately waiting for services I'd be concerned if Social Worker or anyone from any department that hold personal data,was sitting in a public area with a laptop open.On the same issue Students in my fav cafe 'Vennels' in Durham City aaaaahh! Edited November 18, 2016 by Davyo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 I'd be concerned if Social Worker or anyone from any department that hold personal data,was sitting in a public area with a laptop open. We share your concern mate, lots of workers voicing how innaproproate it is trust me! Unfortunately that doesn't stop the councils closing the buildings. It's not just social however (who I have found to be very careful with stuff like you mention to be fair) but departments all over the place. It's a tough situation as yesterday I read there is an £80BN 'black hole' in the budget where the govenrment does not know where the money is going to come from 😳 Very concerning!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Illegal certainly, but dangerous, how is that dangerous? Jamming devices don't usually jam specific frequencies. They flood the airwaves across multiple bands. So a 'wifi jammer' will also jam anything else relying on a wireless connection, like mobile phones. So walking into a coffee shop and stopping everyone inside from making or receiving a call or text could be very dangerous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaffertoo Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 (edited) Well after that silly remark ,I dont think so do you BUT,,,,here what you do is ,,,,hello sir ,is it coffee ,,,,,yes please ...right oh ,that will be £3.50 + £10 to use your lap top in here for one hour ,so thats £13.50 please.,give him or here the option ,if not ,there's the door ,,,next please !! Put this up in writing for all to see just to look a there face's .try it please. Or just ban them . Edited November 18, 2016 by gaffertoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted November 18, 2016 Report Share Posted November 18, 2016 Get the coffee shops to take out talk talk broadband! Problem solved! They will keep losing connection and leave of their own accord Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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