A Starbucks tipster tells him that some NYC Starbucks locations are now covering up their electrical outlets to discourage laptop hobos, because "some people just cannot be reasoned with."
Here's how it's done, my fellow laptop hobos: You order something, you tip. If you sit for more than 90 minutes, you order something else, you tip again.
Those of us who like to hang out at coffee shops and pretend to look busy are under siege. There are reports that Starbucks is looking for ways to clamp down on so-called "laptop hobos," people who sit in a coffee shop all day using the free wireless while nursing a small latte for 12 hours.
Starbucks started the war on laptop hobos (you know who you are, essay/screenplay/blog writers) who camp for the free Wi-Fi, nurse a single coffee for hours and take up valuable real estate.
The "laptop hobo" phenomenon — patrons buying one coffee and spending ensuing hours browsing the Web — is a growing issue with food and beverage operations.
The squatters, or "laptop hobos," are those who buy a single cup of coffee and spend lengthy amounts of time in coffee shops driving down turnover and so other establishments have gone further to detour the "laptop hobos."