Do you have to buy something to sit at a Toronto cafe?

Toronto's various independent cafes not only fill us with caffeine, but they also provide us with ample space to work, socialize and unwind. But how long can you linger at a table with a single Americano or cup of water?

That's a question Ryan Ringer posed on Facebook a few weeks back. He co-owns the relatively new Bloordale cafe and cocktail bar Grey Tiger along with Becky Ip.

Both Ringer and Ip say they became frustrated when patrons would sit in their establishment without buying anything. So they began gently prompting people to make a purchase, be it a coffee or a vegan cookie.

This has led to mixed results, says Ringer. "Nobody likes being confronted about having done something wrong." While many were understanding, others were not.

"I don't think it's fair for business owners to live in fear," says Ringer. And, he notes that he and Ip want to be accommodating to everyone, but at the end of the day, they are running a business.

"Whether it's a cafe, restaurant, bar or what have you.. if you want to go and hang out there and enjoy the space with your friends or alone, you should contribute in some way other than just having your presence there."

What do you think of cafe etiquette? Let us know in the comments.

by Amy Grief via blogTO