Cafe guests are asked to leave if they take coffee to go. Is that allowed?

The post gained thousands of views and about a hundred comments in one day.

"The prices in the establishment and for takeaway are seemingly the same, almost all tables are free. It's genuinely interesting to know what's the point of such strict segregation of guests," noted the young man.

About Threads

What do they say at the cafe?

For a comment, journalists turned to the same UGL cafe, located on Haradski Val. They say it's all about the vibe.

— We have never chased anyone away. Our policy is aimed at maximally reducing the consumption of single-use tableware. And ecological responsibility regarding both taste and method of consumption.

And inside the establishment, we consider this part of respect for culture. We established these standards and respectfully explain them. We always clarify and, if a guest says they need to leave, the barista immediately pours the drink [into a disposable cup]. We hope for understanding and mutual respect, — the establishment replied to Onlíner journalists.

Experiment

By the way, after the post appeared on Threads, a barista named Alisa decided to conduct an experiment at the cafe.

@alice_alice_minsk Хотел как лучше, а получилось как всегда)❤️ вывод сделайте сами, а мой вывод в конце видео #кофейняминск #неловкаяситуация (Хонфликтнаяситуация ♬ Dracula (JENNIE Remix) - Tame Impala & JENNIE

The girl was offered to drink coffee from tableware that creates a "special vibe". This refers to ceramic cups that resemble crumpled plastic cups. But at the same time, the option to take coffee to go in a disposable cup is also available.

Commentators' Opinions

Commentators' opinions were traditionally divided. Some categorically refused to accept such a concept, while others saw nothing wrong with it. Especially since such a principle is often encountered in other countries.

"If it was 'dine-in', he [the barista] would have locked the door until you finished your coffee."

"I wouldn't have left. I would have stayed."

"They have a special order accounting program, and the barista marks everything in it, meaning if 'takeaway' is indicated in the program, then table cleaning is not provided, and crumbs and an empty cup will remain."

"I encountered the same situation. I always order a large coffee and specify when ordering that I will be 'dine-in', but would like the coffee in a 'to-go' cup. They refused me. Okay, I sat for 15 minutes, and had to leave the unfinished drink and go."

"Let's skip the fact that some people like to drink coffee from a paper cup and lick plastic lids. Let's get back to the main point: the format 'sitting in an establishment with disposable tableware' is a fast-food chain story. Coffee ≠ fast food. Especially when there's a kitchen and service."

"Please explain to me why some order a drink in a paper (actually, semi-plastic) cup when sitting inside? Is this some intentional anti-ecological act?"

Lawyer's Answer

Journalists decided to find out what the law says about this case from Ivan Raikevich, a lawyer specializing in consumer rights protection:

— Neither the law "On Protection of Consumer Rights" nor the rules for the sale of certain types of goods and the provision of public catering contain a norm that would allow removing a consumer from a cafe if he bought coffee to go.

The basic right of a consumer, provided for in Article 5 of the law "On Protection of Consumer Rights", is the right to free choice of goods, works, and services. If a consumer bought coffee to go, and then decided to consume the same purchased coffee in the cafe — that is his right. It is impossible to dictate to a consumer where they should consume coffee purchased in a cafe, on the premises or outside the cafe, even if this is stipulated in the rules of consumer service in a specific cafe.

And let's not forget that a request to leave the establishment is just a request, it is not obligatory to comply with it. Especially since it, to put it mildly, does not relate to legislative requirements.

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