Ded, Dh and I were discussing how coffee shops like Starbucks allow people to set up shop and stay for hours.

We were once in a local Dunkin and the manager had a worker request that a group finish up. It was a group of about 6 seniors and they were using the shop as a meeting place. They took up parking spots and spoke loudly to each other. They were inconsiderate and I was glad they got called out .

Rusty

Eld, sadly Ive seen small shops go out of business in the city because a homeless person ( poor soul) would sit there all day. Im sure ”campers” are a problem everywhere. We had a small coffee shop with limited parking and yet people would park themselves for hours including having a meeting. It closed. A library is a good place to sit and work quietly.

We learned in interior design that fast food restaurants have garish colors and hard plastic uncomfortable furniture so that people will get in and out quickly. I guess that doesn't always work. If I had a coffee shop, I would have no seating inside and put benches outside, and I would want it to be take-out only. I probably would not provide WiFi.

In L.A. you can see a lot of amateur screenwriters at coffee shops, and they may or may not buy anything.

Wheelchair ramp in Russia

This thread reminded me of this:

I remember in Austria, you could buy a cup of coffee and occupy a seat outside all day with no complaints from anyone...not so much in France.