Tue, 12 Aug 2025

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 Starbucks tells customers in South Korea not to bring printers or PCs

Customers have been bringing in printers and multiple computers as they work from cafes.

* Starbucks in South Korea has asked customers to stop bringing bulky items like printers and desktop computers into cafes to do their office work.
* Customers can still bring laptops, iPads, and mobile phones but not items that "impact the shared space" or limit seating.
* The policy is part of a growing debate over "cagongjok" - those who study and work at cafes - in Korean society.
* Some people on social media have expressed irritation at those who use cafe seats for hours after only buying one drink, with some calling them "freeloading electricity".
* Koreans on social media have been reacting to the announcement from Starbucks, with some praising it as a measure against bad manners and others saying it's about time.
* A spokesperson for Starbucks said: "We want all customers to have a pleasant and accessible store experience, so we've updated our policy".
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