Coffeeshop in Bugis Stopped Patrons from Drinking Water from Own Water Bottle

By
Valerie Chua
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It is not uncommon to find “No Outside Food and Drinks” signs inside establishments such as restaurants, cafes, and even local coffee shops. 

But a certain question has puzzled people for the longest time: “Is water from your own water bottle considered an outside drink in these establishments?”

According to the owner of a coffee shop along Queen Street in Bugis, the answer is yes.

Staff of the coffee shop have to stop customers from drinking water from their own water bottles, asking them to remove their water bottles from the shop’s tables when dining.

A 62-year-old woman has since written in to Shin Min Daily News detailing her experience.

Female Customer Who Was Stopped By Staff Needed Water To Help Consume Her Medicine

The woman has told Shin Min Daily News that she was dining at a coffee shop located along Queen Street on 10 July 2023.

She had placed her water bottle on the dining table and was about to drink from it after she finished her meal. However, she was stopped by a staff member who was operating the drinks stall. 

The woman shared that she had been to the coffee shop many times in the past, but this was the first time someone there had stopped her from drinking water at the establishment. 

She also clarified that the water was to help her consume medicine that she brought with her. It was not intended for other uses such as brewing coffee or tea to save costs on drinks.

“No Outside Food and Drinks’ Sign Placed Outside Coffee Shop Extends to Patrons Bringing In Their Own Water Bottles

In an interview with Shin Min Daily News, the drink stall staff shared that it was the rule in the coffee shop to politely remind customers to put away any water bottles they may have brought to the restaurant.

The owner of the coffee shop, Mdm Lee (Hanyu Pinyin) also explained that the establishment is privately owned. As such, staff wages and rent are costs that have to be borne by the owners, which is why no outside food and drinks are allowed. 

Mdm Lee also made it a point that plain water is considered an outside drink, but admitted that customers may feel dissatisfied if staff members stopped them from drinking from their water bottles without any explanation. 

She also acknowledged that some individuals may need to bring their own medication that needs to be consumed after meals, and that she would gladly provide them with water for free when asked. 

But still…erm, no is no.

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Valerie Chua
Email: [email protected]