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If you were dining out, would you give up one of two tables when asked to? One such situation is sparking comments on Stomp. The post, made on 26 May, details the disappointment and frustration of a diner experiencing table hogging.
Here’s what happened: when Stomper, Linda, was trying to find seats at Jurong Point’s Chocolate Origin, they tried asking if a couple would give up a table to them and were turned down. Even when the store’s staff asked, the couple refused, stating that they required both tables for their items.
In the picture uploaded with the Facebook post, you can see the couple’s items spread over the two tables. To their credit, the tables are round and rather small, which justified their need for two tables instead of one.
However, according to the post, the couple had already completed their meal. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further.
This post was made on a Monday at 5.38pm. The Stomper also mentioned that they had headed to the store in the evening. According to Google, this outlet was usually as busy as it gets from 5pm to 7pm on Mondays. Furthermore, a Google reviewer shared that this Chocolate Origin has now been merged with a Cacao Cat outlet. This resulted in a loss of seating space.
As someone who regularly has study or work sessions at cafés, having unfinished food or drinks is the main – if not only – reason for staying at the establishment beyond a certain amount of time. Especially when there are other paying customers waiting for a seat.
So if the couple had already completed their meal, were they truly entitled to their seats? Even without leaving, clearing off their unused plates might have freed up a table for Linda.
I have seen other cafés imposing a dining time limit during peak hours, and table hogging situations we see on Stomp are probably related to their decision. While it’s 100% okay to take as much time as you wish when stores are empty, practising proper etiquette during crowded times is important. Ultimately, the store is a public space for all.
Perhaps the couple could look into co-working spaces for a more conducive environment, unlike a busy café with less than 10 seats.
So, considering this scenario, I ask you again: would you have given up your table?
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