Debate Over Unauthorized Cafe Restroom Use
"Should Pay to Use" vs. "Owner Too Strict"
A story has emerged about a man who was reported by a cafe owner for allegedly interfering with business after using the restroom without ordering a drink. Online, there is ongoing controversy, with some arguing that the owner's response was excessive, while others insist that unauthorized use itself is the problem.
On December 28, a post titled "Can I report a cafe owner for unlawful detention or coercion?" appeared on an online community. The author, referred to as 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, so I went to the basement restroom of a large franchise cafe that was right 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 restroom use by non-customers," and added, "You can only leave if you order food."
In fact, Mr A said there were signs inside the cafe with phrases such as "Restroom use fee: 5,000 won." Other signs read, "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. (If caught using without permission) payment for snacks, water, Pororo drinks, etc. will not be accepted."
"Pororo Drinks Not Allowed, Only Coffee"-An Argument Ensues
Mr A apologized to the cafe owner, saying, "I'm sorry for using the restroom in a hurry 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, "Since our child is waiting outside, let's quickly buy a Pororo drink and leave." The Pororo drink sold at the cafe was 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," and demanded, "You must order coffee at the kiosk." Mr A and his wife argued, "Whether we buy a Pororo drink or coffee is our choice, and once we buy a drink, we are customers." The cafe owner countered, "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 also became upset and raised her voice, saying, 'How can you do this?' and we argued for about two minutes."
Owner Reports for Interference with Business
Afterward, the cafe owner said, "If you say one more word here, I will call the police for interfering with business," and, according to Mr A, reported the incident to the police on the spot. The police, upon arrival, determined that Mr A and his wife were not guilty of interfering with business. They also concluded that using the restroom was neither illegal nor subject to punishment, according to Mr A.
Mr A said, "After the situation ended and I returned home, I was overwhelmed with anger. The owner physically blocked the exit just because I used the restroom for free and forced me to buy coffee I didn't want. This is a restriction of physical freedom without any legitimate reason." He then asked online users for their opinions, saying, "I'm considering reporting the cafe owner for unlawful detention and coercion. What do you think?"
"Excessive Response" vs "Responsibility for Unauthorized Use"
Some online users who read the story commented, "Reporting to the police was too much," "Since the police determined it wasn't interference with business, forced sales seem to be a bigger issue," and "The cafe owner was too harsh."
On the other hand, many criticized Mr A, saying, "Why are you posting when you did something wrong? If you used someone else's restroom without permission, you should at least buy a cup of coffee. Why make excuses about your child?" and "This isn't a public restroom, so why write such a long post about something obvious?" One user remarked, "Because of people like this, stores need restroom passwords. They only apologize when they're desperate, then complain about unlawful detention once they're done," criticizing Mr A's attitude as 'brazen.'
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
