Electricity Thieves: What?!?

@Shavkat (140772)
Philippines
August 18, 2025 5:24am CST
You must be really confused that these individuals actually exist. Starbucks in South Korea has announced a new regulation geared at discouraging patrons who spend a lot of time there. The fact that they merely purchased a cup of coffee is negative for business. It is a fact that cannot be denied. So, they banned the usage of laptop, printer, and the like. What do you think of the new regulations from Starbucks Korea? Image Credit: img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net
7 people like this
7 responses
@DaddyEvil (157583)
• United States
18 Aug
I think it's silly. All they have to do is cover or turn off the outlets so customers can't use them.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140772)
• Philippines
19 Aug
I think that it is a good idea. Or, they can just have some signage that it is not allowed to use modern laptops while being there.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (157583)
• United States
19 Aug
@Shavkat As long as the laptops aren't plugged into the electric outlets in the café, it shouldn't matter. Starbucks can always charge for the internet.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140772)
• Philippines
20 Aug
@DaddyEvil That makes sense. I am sure that it is also a brilliant idea to carry on.
1 person likes this
@rakski (146868)
• Philippines
20 Aug
for a business perspective, it can greatly affect them as people tend to go there, buy a cup of coffee but stay there for hours and hours. Some make it their meeting place. They should not put outlets and usb port there.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140772)
• Philippines
20 Aug
I think it is fine to use their mobile phones. For laptops, it is not a good idea.
1 person likes this
@rakski (146868)
• Philippines
20 Aug
@Shavkat true.
@rsa101 (39896)
• Philippines
19 Aug
Starbucks Korea’s new rule makes sense from a business view—customers who stay for hours with just one drink can limit space for others, especially in busy branches. By restricting laptops and similar devices, they’re trying to keep tables turning and ensure more people can enjoy the café. At the same time, coffee shops have become a go-to spot for students and remote workers, so this change might feel restrictive. A middle ground, like setting up designated work zones or time limits, could help balance both sides—protecting the business while still offering that welcoming space people look for.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140772)
• Philippines
19 Aug
There are pros and cons when they implement this new rule. If I were them, I would be controlled for having limited time to use my modern gadgets. As you mentioned, they are trying to aim for the business perspective to earn more income for having more space for other clients who are coming in and out of the establishments.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (39896)
• Philippines
19 Aug
@Shavkat Strictly enforcing that rule may also result in a loss of business as customers will seek out other locations to meet their needs. Maintaining equilibrium might involve attempting to gently request that overstaying clients at least purchase something to extend their stay. particularly during periods of high customer traffic.
@snowy22315 (194813)
• United States
18 Aug
Seems petty
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140772)
• Philippines
19 Aug
You said it right.
1 person likes this
• Torrington, Connecticut
19 Aug
Sounds oppressive
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140772)
• Philippines
19 Aug
At some point, I think it is unreasonable.
@JudyEv (361458)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Aug
I can see it's a problem if people settle in for the day. People don't have a sense of fair play any more and might sit there all day, stopping other customers from coming in.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140772)
• Philippines
19 Aug
I also noticed this. During my school days, we did spend hours in a coffee shop. However, we did not use our laptops and purchased many items to compensate for the time spent there while studying.
1 person likes this
@yanzalong (19087)
• Indonesia
18 Aug
they spent hours there and only bought a cup of coffee. They used electricity to play laptops or handphones.
1 person likes this
@Shavkat (140772)
• Philippines
19 Aug
Indeed. This is what they are trying to control, especially in conserving the energy. In their minds, it is a form of stealing electricity in such a manner.