Cafes in Istanbul and Ankara Apply Restrictions on the Use of Laptops and Wi-Fi

JAKARTA - A number of cafes in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey, have reportedly started to implement restrictions on the use of laptops, Wi-Fi access, and electrical outlets since last month, which has sparked complaints from students, freelancers, and remote workers.

The new measures, which have attracted attention on social media, include banning the use of laptops during certain hours or days, restricting Wi-Fi access, charging customers for the use of electrical outlets, and imposing minimum spending requirements for those who sit for long periods.

The cafe managers said the policy was a response to rising operating costs, including rent, employee salaries, and energy costs, as well as a desire to increase customer turnover during busy periods, quoted from Daily Sabah (5/7).

However, many customers argue that the restrictions make it less accessible for cafes to study and work remotely.

A customer visiting a cafe in Istanbul's Üsküdar District said a waiter approached the table and told them that the use of laptops or tablets was not allowed. Another customer at a cafe in Ankara's Incek neighborhood said staff told them that the use of laptops was prohibited on weekends and pointed to a sticker on the table explaining the rule.

One of the most common practices is the introduction of Wi-Fi access with time limits. In this system, customers receive a password printed on their receipt that is valid for a limited period of time, often around 90 minutes, after which they are automatically disconnected from the network.

Other measures reportedly adopted by some cafes include requiring customers to re-order every two hours, setting a minimum spending threshold, and limiting access to outlets.

These policies have sparked an online debate, with supporters arguing that businesses have the right to manage seating capacity and operating costs.

Meanwhile, critics argue that cafes are increasingly becoming an important space for students and remote workers who rely on internet access and outlets for long periods of time.