Some cafes in Istanbul introduce extra ‘table fees’ for lingering customers

Some cafes in Istanbul and university cities have started charging extra “table fees” for customers who do not place an order after a certain period of sitting. This move follows a previous practice of requiring customers to order every 30 minutes.

This new “table tariff” model, especially prevalent in university areas and specific neighborhoods in Istanbul, reflects the increasing operational costs for cafes and restaurants. As the cost of goods, rent, and energy rises, businesses are seeking new ways to cover expenses. The practice could significantly affect students and budget-conscious customers who typically use cafes for socializing or studying.

Details

• Some cafes now impose additional charges on customers who occupy a table without ordering, with fees ranging from 20 to 50 TL every half hour.
• In areas like Beyoğlu’s Taksim, cafes have introduced warning signs for customers, indicating that table fees will be charged even if no orders are placed.
• The practice is seen as a response to rising operational costs, with some cafe owners stating they can no longer afford to let customers occupy tables for long periods without orders.
• Many students, who typically visit cafes to socialize or study, are expressing frustration with these additional charges, which they say put a strain on their budgets