Starbucks Korea introduced new restrictive measures on ‘cagong’ students, people who work for hours in cafes with excessive personal equipment usage. The new policy forbade customers from using certain personal equipment, including desktop computers, printers, partitions, and power strips, inside the store. 

In recent years, the increasing number of customers occupying tables for extended periods with large setups has sparked controversy. Some noted that these are the minority of the cases, while others argued that it disrupts cafe experience for casual customers, and restrictive measures should be taken.

“I’ve never seen anyone use desktop computers or printers in Starbucks, but I’ve seen someone use a power strip before,” Irene Joh (10), a frequent Starbucks visitor, said. “Though it’s only the few people that actually use these things, I think this policy helps prevent some exceptional situations and keeps the cafe experience fair for everyone without any inconveniences.”

Some small independent cafes have already implemented rules restricting customers from using heavy equipment or staying for long periods, including disabling access to power outlets or restricting cafe usage for two hours. Now, larger cafe franchises like Starbucks have also taken their first step to address extreme or controversial customer cases. Instead of a formal ban, Starbucks announced it will verbally ask customers who leave their belongings on tables for extended periods to move to accommodate other customers. Starbucks explained that these measures were implemented to ensure its stores remain comfortable and accessible to all visitors.