Etiquette in crowded cafe

[madoka]

I'm at a cafe which is packed. I notice that one table has been unoccupied for the past 45 minutes but whoever sat there last have left their jackets and packages on the seats and table. Given how long they've gone, I suspect they went out to dinner or they're taking a really long smoke break.

How long would you etiquette experts wait before you moved their stuff away and take over the table?

 

[highland145]

1st, 45 min....eff that.

2nd, what's in the packages? Hopefully not a IED.

3rd, it's a trap.

 

[KMFJD]

I'm at a cafe which is packed. I notice that one table has been unoccupied for the past 45 minutes but whoever sat there last have left their jackets and packages on the seats and table. Given how long they've gone, I suspect they went out to dinner or they're taking a really long smoke break.

How long would you etiquette experts wait before you moved their stuff away and take over the table?

10 min

 

[nakedfrog]

They could be locked in someone's trunk right now, who can eat at a time like this?

 

[rh71]

What are you doing in that 45 minutes that you would still need their table? If you don't, then why would it matter?

Someone has to ask the serious questions...

 

[sdifox]

You stood next to the table for 45min looking like a tool didn't you.

 

[madoka]

What are you doing in that 45 minutes that you would still need their table? If you don't, then why would it matter?

I spend my life in cafes. It's where I work 30-40 hours a week. This particular cafe caters to students and is open 24 hours.

You stood next to the table for 45min looking like a tool didn't you.

No, there's a couple of metal stools by the front door which are uncomfortable as hell. So I sat there enviously looking at that table and trying to balance my computer in my lap.

 

[crashtech]

Must be a hell of a cafe to put up with that.

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

10 min

Agreed, 10m and that booth is being vacated. Stuff can go in L&F (or a trashcan).

 

[madoka]

Must be a hell of a cafe to put up with that.

It's open 24 hours! Also, it's relatively quiet, got plenty of plugs, and comfortable seating.

 

[crashtech]

I think I would probably be a bit more assertive with the the staff, especially if I was a regular. I presume they knew you wanted a table?

 

[rh71]

I've always wondered what it would be like to work full time just sitting in a cafe. I can't imagine sitting there for more than 2-3 hours at a time.

There's distractions like people coming and going but you're sort of forced to ignore them. Even worse and more uncomfortable in a crowded one like in the OP. Then what would be the point other than the coffee? Coffee for 8 hours? Meeting with someone all the time?

I'd rather sit all comfy in my PJs on my home office chair like I already do full time and have my music in the ambiance. Once in a while out may be ok, but it just doesn't hold my interest to bother having to get ready to go out.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

They could be locked in someone's trunk right now, who can eat at a time like this?

Bush, search party of three - you can eat once you find the Dufranes.

 

[Ns1]

I would've gone home with a new jacket and some packages

 

[Red Squirrel]

It's open 24 hours! Also, it's relatively quiet, got plenty of plugs, and comfortable seating.

Does not sound very quiet if it's that crowded.

 

[Red Storm]

Does not sound very quiet if it's that crowded.

Also says comfortable seating, yet complains about uncomfortable metal stools.