Debate Over Unauthorized Cafe Restroom Use
"Should Pay to Use" vs. "Owner Too Strict"
A story has emerged about a man who was reported for business obstruction by a cafe owner after using the restroom without ordering a drink. Online, there is an ongoing debate between those who argue that the owner's response was excessive and those who believe that unauthorized use itself is the problem.
On December 28, a post titled "Can I report the cafe owner for unlawful detention or coercion?" appeared on an online community. The author, Mr. A, said that on the afternoon of December 27, he urgently used the restroom at a large franchise cafe located in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province.
"Restroom Use Prohibited for Non-Customers"... Owner Blocks the Exit
He explained, "While I was out with my family, I urgently needed to use the restroom and went into the basement restroom of a large franchise cafe that I saw in front of me." He continued, "About two or three minutes later, as I was about to leave the restroom, the owner blocked me at the entrance with both arms." According to Mr. A, the cafe owner told him, "Our store policy prohibits non-customers from using the restroom," and added, "You can only leave if you order food."
In fact, Mr. A said there were notices inside the cafe with phrases such as "Restroom use fee: 5,000 won." Other signs included "No entry except for customers. To ensure a comfortable rest for our customers, entry by non-customers is prohibited. No restroom use," and "Not a public restroom. Use after payment only. (If caught using without permission) snacks, water, Pororo drinks, etc. cannot be purchased."
"Pororo Drinks Not Allowed, Only Coffee" - Dispute Ensues
Mr. A apologized to the cafe owner, saying, "I'm sorry for using the restroom so urgently without saying anything," and added, "Since my child is waiting outside in the cold, I promise to use your cafe next time." However, the owner continued to block Mr. A from leaving, and as time passed, Mr. A's wife entered the cafe. After hearing the situation, Mr. A's wife said, "Our child is waiting outside, so let's just quickly buy a Pororo drink and leave." The Pororo drink sold at the cafe cost 1,400 won, which was cheaper than coffee.
This is a reference photo to aid understanding of the article and is unrelated to the main text. Pixabay
However, the owner insisted, "Pororo drinks are not allowed. You must order coffee at the kiosk." Mr. A and his wife argued, "Whether we buy a Pororo drink or coffee, that's our choice. Once we buy a drink, we're customers, aren't we?" The cafe owner replied, "No. Our store policy requires you to buy coffee." Mr. A said, "From that point on, any guilt I felt for using the restroom for free disappeared and I started to get angry." He added, "My wife was also upset and raised her voice, saying, 'How can you do that?' We argued for about two minutes."
Owner Reports Customer to Police for Business Obstruction
Afterward, the cafe owner said, "If you say one more word here, I'll call the police for business obstruction," and, according to Mr. A, reported them to the police on the spot. The police who responded determined that Mr. A and his wife were not guilty of business obstruction. Mr. A also stated that the police found that using the restroom was neither illegal nor subject to punishment.
Mr. A said, "After the situation ended and I returned home, I became overwhelmed with anger. The owner physically blocked the exit because I used the restroom for free and forced me to buy coffee I didn't want. This is an unjustified restriction of my physical freedom." He went on to ask, "I'm considering reporting the cafe owner for unlawful detention and coercion. What do you think?" seeking opinions from other users.
"Excessive Response" vs. "Responsibility for Unauthorized Use"
Some online users who read the story responded, "Reporting to the police was too much," "Since the police determined it wasn't business obstruction, forced sales seem to be the bigger issue," and "The cafe owner is being too harsh."
On the other hand, many criticized Mr. A, saying, "Why are you posting about something you did wrong? If you used someone else's restroom without permission, just buy a cup of coffee. Why make excuses and talk about your child?" and "It's not a public restroom, so why write such a long post about something obvious?" One user commented, "Because of people like this, store restroom passwords are a must. They only apologize when they're desperate, then complain about unlawful detention after they're done," criticizing Mr. A's attitude as 'turning the tables.'
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