Sandro R.
Google
I had a very uncomfortable experience at Lattest Coffee Omotesando today.
- When I arrived, there were only 2 customers, and they left shortly after.
- The café was basically empty. I ordered my coffee normally.
- I am aware of your “no PC / tablet” policy during weekends or busy hours, which is common in many cafes.
- I initially planned to work with my iPad and keyboard, but I decided not to work at all. I did not use my keyboard.
- I only had my iPad and a Nintendo Switch, simply to relax while enjoying my coffee.
- I planned to listen to music and watch YouTube—something many customers do on their phones.
- A staff member came and said: “Sorry, no tablets.”
- I calmly explained that:
There were no customers
I was not working
I was just watching YouTube, like other customers on their phones
- The staff seemed confused, discussed with another staff member, then came back using Google Translate saying:
“Because we want people to enjoy drinking coffee.”
- I was genuinely confused. I asked politely:
“Am I not allowed to enjoy coffee while watching YouTube, even if I’m not working and not disturbing anyone?”
- After another discussion, they came back and said:
“Okay, but please don’t stay over 90 minutes.”
I replied that I already understood and respected the 90-minute rule.
Then I was told again: “Please support our policies.”
- I showed my Samsung Galaxy Fold and asked politely:
“Is this a phone or a tablet? Can I use this to watch youtube?"
They said phone is okay.
When I unfolded it, it became “tablet size,” and they were confused and couldn’t explain the difference.
- At that point, I decided to leave. I did not feel welcome.
Additional context
- I regularly go to cafés with similar policies, including Streamer Coffee in Nakameguro.
- Even when cafés are full and people are queueing, staff there manage policies consistently and respectfully.
- Customers know the 90-minute rule and follow it.
- I have never been or seen others being asked to stop using a device in an empty café.
- Today, your café was almost empty, yet your staff treated me as if I were a problem.
This was not about policy—it was about inconsistent logic, poor explanation, and lack of customer empathy.
Good luck for the future.