Is the RM2 charge for not ordering drinks a new phenomenon?

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The practice of charging patrons for not ordering drinks is not a new occurrence, with precedents observed in Penang and other locations.

The recent imposition of a RM2 charge by some Penang kopitiams for customers who do not order drinks is not an entirely novel phenomenon. Approximately two years prior, a similar charge of 50 sen was encountered by patrons at a kopitiam along Jalan Penang who chose to eat without purchasing a beverage. This earlier instance demonstrates a historical pattern of such charges, with the recent RM2 fee representing a significant escalation, being four times the amount previously levied.
Historical Precedents for Non-Drink Charges in Penang

The practice of charging patrons for not ordering drinks has surfaced before in Penang. About two years ago, an incident occurred where a kopitiam along Jalan Penang requested a 50 sen payment from a customer who intended to consume Hokkien Mee without ordering a drink. While the amount was considerably less than the current RM2 charge, it established a precedent for imposing fees on customers who occupied space without purchasing beverages.
Rationale Behind the Charges by Establishments

The primary justification provided by the Penang kopitiams for implementing these charges is related to table occupancy by tourists. It has been stated that an increasing number of tourists were occupying tables for extended periods, thereby reducing the available space for customers who intended to purchase drinks. This situation reportedly impacted the establishments' ability to serve paying patrons and affected their expected daily earnings.
Broader Trend of Monetising Previously Free Services

The practice of charging for items or services previously considered free extends beyond the specific case of Penang kopitiams. The article highlights several other examples, including charges for sitting on Patong Beach in Phuket, using toilets at shopping malls which previously cost 20-50 sen, and paying for drinking water at restaurants, a concept many find difficult to accept given the minimal cost of water. Even the provision of plastic bags, once standard, now often incurs a charge, reflecting a broader economic shift towards monetising services.

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Is the RM2 charge for not ordering drinks a new phenomenon?

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