While cafes have become a popular work environment, some shops in Toronto are banning devices in hopes of encouraging more socializing, but the controversial move is sparking debate among locals.
The decision to ban devices is a controversial one in Toronto. Residents have been vocal about their opinions on the matter with one Torontonian going viral after sharing her experience being asked to leave a popular cafe for reading on her iPad.
In a video shared on TikTok last week, which now has over two million views, the resident says she was asked to leave the establishment after reading a book on her first-generation iPad, while another customer who was reading on a Kindle was allowed to stay.
In a follow-up video, the TikToker explained, without naming the cafe, that it has a no-laptop policy after 5 p.m. and during weekends, which she was aware of.
She says after ordering her drink and sitting down with her iPad to read, a worker approached her and told her about the no-laptop policy, which she responded to by explaining she was reading and not doing any work. At some point, the TikToker allegedly said she felt “discriminated against” and was going to leave the establishment, which the worker agreed to.
In response to the video, many cafe goers are sharing their opinions about cafes having no-tech policies. While some customers say the measure supports more in-person connections, others criticize it for being inconvenient.
“This is my first time hearing about no tech cafes. I love it. Gives me hope for the future,” one TikToker said.
“Why is everyone surprised at the ‘no-tech’ rules? I’ve been to coffee shops where there’s a line up of people waiting for a table while five tables are taken by those on their laptops, who had one coffee, and sat there for three hours. Respectfully, why not just go to a library instead?” another user questioned.
“Why are so many coffee shops hell bent on ruining the only thing ppl like them for (being a place where you can do whatever and not be bothered)?” one person said.
“So, they want to encourage human connection? If I’m alone, who with? I’m supposed to be smiling creepily at the person at the next table as I sip my coffee?” a different person questioned.
WHY ARE CAFES BANNING DEVICES?
Her experience is not unique as there are several cafes in Toronto who implement the same policies.
Silver Fox Coffee Boutique at 2285 Bloor St. W. is one of these cafes, which welcomes locals to enjoy baked goods, a delicious cup of coffee, and some social time with no technology allowed. Right at the entrance of the shop, a sign with the words “disconnect, relax and reflect” announces to visitors that no devices are allowed, including laptops and iPads.
The shop owner Viktor tells Now Toronto he introduced the policy about five years ago, hoping that patrons could use the space to get their eyes off the screens and engage in social time with others.
“The coffee shop I run is more of a European-style coffee shop, and most of the customers [come from] referrals. And the entire point of the coffee shop has always been to socialize with someone, not to keep on working,” he said.
Although Viktor says some clients have complained about the policy, the majority of the shop’s returning customers approve of the move, and have been contributing to a more social energy in the space.
“Our clients who come here do love the idea, and especially those who work from home. They’re like, ‘OK, I’m forced to take a break,’ and that gives you personal time to be with yourself and your own thoughts or with a friend,” he said.
“People sit down and talk to each other, and they actually spend quality time instead of keeping the work…People definitely socialize much more, appreciate that, and [are] respectful towards others, [which] creates a different atmosphere at the cafe.”
Another popular cafe chain in the city, Neo Coffee Bar, does not allow the use of iPads and laptops during certain times, including after 5 p.m. Similar to Silver Fox, the measure is a way to encourage customers to disconnect and socialize.
“While laptops and tablets are an important part of many guests’ lives, limiting their use during certain hours helps create a sense of community and engagement in the café space,” Neo’s Marketing Lead Irraj Tahir told Now Toronto in an email statement on Tuesday.
While the policy is generally welcomed by the public, according to the cafe, these locations are usually flexible in terms of inclusivity, allowing the use of devices for medical and accessibility needs.
“It has helped create a more social and inviting environment, which aligns with our mission to make our cafes a community hub rather than just a workspace,” Tahir added.
Meanwhile, the bookstore and cafe Flying Books at 371 Queen St. W., also tells Now Toronto it has a policy that bars the use of laptops after 5 p.m. and during weekends, when the space turns into a wine bar.
“We are a bookshop/wine bar/coffee shop, so we want the space to emphasize the social side of reading. So, we want it to shift to a slightly more interpersonal, interactive, and social vibe,” Assistant Manager Thomas told Now Toronto.
According to Thomas, the policy also allows the cafe to manage its limited sitting space during busy times and weekends, preventing customers from sitting for hours at a time while working.
Nevertheless, the shop welcomes customers to use the space for working on their devices during appropriate times.
“We’re very hospitable [to] people who want to come work, and we have lots of people who come with their laptops in order to write their novels or work on their creative projects, which we love so much,” he added.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO WORK
While cafes with no-tech policies have become a trend, there are several spots across the city for those who wish to stay connected.
At Gateau Ghost, customers are welcome to use their devices on site anytime, including during dinner and brunch services, as the spot offers several indoor and outdoor open tables, sockets and Wi-Fi to patrons.
“Cafes are commonly seen as a third space. People kind of come and get their coffee, enjoy the environment that they’re in, sipping coffees, [or eating] pastries, there is music playing, along with being surrounded by [other] hard-working people, [who] also look on their laptops, almost like a library where we can eat and drink,” bartender Kris Lechika said.
Lechika says although Gateau Ghost allows laptops, she understands why some establishments would limit their use, especially when it comes to limited space and the vibe of the shop.
Meanwhile, Store Manager Sonam Choki at the Twilight Cafe tells Now Toronto that even though the cafe has board games and activities on site, it also allows customers to settle down and work on their devices, especially students who use their laptops to study.
“Mostly there are students who want to come here to work. So, this is the first [reason], and second thing is [that] it supports [the] games,” she said.
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