A journalist was told to leave a cafe after spending just an hour working there and has now been banned from all of the owner’s premises.
Mark Story, deputy editor of New Zealand newspaper Hawke’s Bay Today, recently spoke out about the shocking treatment he received at Smiths cafe in Napier.
He said he had spent $12.50 on a coffee and a brioche and was happily working in the cafe until he was told to leave after an hour.
The journalist added that he liked to work in a cafe from time to time, but knew he had to move if he took up space for customers.
The dispute began when a member of staff asked if Mr Story wanted more food or drink, which he declined.
Mark Story, deputy editor of New Zealand newspaper Hawke’s Bay Today, recently spoke out about the shocking treatment he received at Smiths cafe in Napier.
The worker then said words like “then I’ll need you to move on.” I keep other paying customers in mind,” Story said in a opinion article.
When he pointed out that there were other tables available, the cafeteria employee said he had only had a coffee.
Mr Story said he had also eaten some brioche but then left the premises.
He later emailed the venue to inquire about his abrupt ouster, but received no response.
He then called and was referred to owner Lisa Caro.
Story said the owner had asked if his inquiry was “newsworthy.”
He had spent $12.50 on a coffee and a brioche and was happily working in the cafe (pictured) until he was told to leave after an hour because he wasn’t going to buy anything else.
It was the shortest of the talks. But it was enough for Caro to confirm that he had raised my punishment to a complete ban on entering any of his establishments in Hawke’s Bay,” Story wrote.
‘I have no hard feelings towards Smiths and its owners. I love that place. If my expulsion ever expired, I would happily rejoin.
“But the reality is that one of us has seriously misread the room.”
Story said the cafe was contacted for comment on several occasions but declined.
Story asked other members of the hospitality industry what the problem was with staying in a cafeteria after finishing the meal.
The general consensus was that if the table was free, they were happy for someone to sit there no matter how much they ordered.
They added that other customers found it attractive to see someone sitting inside.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Smiths for further comment.
