Overstaying customers trouble Bengaluru hotels; owners propose table charge

Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s bustling small and medium-sized hotels are facing an unusual problem — customers who refuse to leave. What begins as a quick coffee break often turns into hours of idle conversation, leaving hotel owners frustrated and tables blocked.

In the city known for its café culture and long discussions, many eateries are now struggling with patrons who occupy seats far longer than necessary.

Customers often order minimal items such as a tea or snack and then continue to sit for hours chatting about politics, business, or personal matters. For hotel owners trying to manage peak-hour crowds, this has become a serious business hurdle.

To tackle this growing issue, the Bengaluru Hotel Owners Association is considering a bold move — introducing a “table charge” for customers who sit beyond a reasonable time limit. The proposed charge could range from ₹500 to ₹1,000, similar to parking fees charged for extended vehicle stays.

Hotel owners argue that the trend is directly affecting revenue. With limited seating capacity, especially in compact restaurants, long-staying customers prevent others from dining in. This often leads to potential customers walking away, causing losses during crucial business hours.

At present, hotel staff are requesting customers politely to vacate tables after finishing their meals. But in many cases, such requests are ignored, forcing owners to look for stricter alternatives. The association feels that a formal penalty system may be the only practical solution.

The Hotel Owners Association plans to write to the Karnataka government soon, seeking official approval to implement this rule. If permission is granted, the table charge system could be rolled out not only in Bengaluru but also in other major cities across the state.

Association President P.C. Rao explained the rationale behind the move: “People come to hotels, order one cup of tea, and sit for hours holding meetings. This creates inconvenience for other customers and affects our business. Hence, we are planning to introduce a table charge for extended stays. A fee between ₹500 and ₹1,000 is being considered.”

While some citizens support the idea as a necessary business decision, others feel it may discourage casual diners. Social media has already begun debating whether cafés and hotels are meant only for quick meals or also for relaxed conversations.

Whatever the opinion, the issue highlights a changing urban lifestyle in Bengaluru. If the proposal becomes reality, customers may soon have to think twice before turning local hotels into free meeting rooms.

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