New Zealand journalist Mark Story kicked out of Smiths cafe in Napier after just an hour
A journalist was told to leave a cafe after working there for just an hour and has now been banned from all of the owner’s locations.
Mark Story, the deputy editor of New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay Today newspaper, recently told of his surprising treatment at Smiths cafe in Napier.
He said he spent $12.50 on coffee and some brioche and was enjoying working at the cafe until he was told to leave after an hour.
The journalist added that he enjoyed working from a cafe occasionally, but could move along if he took up space for customers.
The argument started when an employee asked if Mr Story wanted more food or drinks, which he declined.
Mark Story, the deputy editor of New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay Today newspaper, recently opened up about his surprising treatment at the Smiths cafe in Napier
The worker then said words to the effect of ‘then I need you to continue.’ I take other paying customers into account,” Story said in an interview op-ed.
When he pointed out that there were other tables available, the cafe worker said he had only had coffee.
Mr Story said he also ate some brioche but then left the premises.
He later emailed the venue to ask about his abrupt eviction, but received no response.
He then called and was referred to the owner Lisa Caro.
Mr Story said the owner had asked whether his research was “newsworthy”.
He had spent $12.50 on coffee and brioche and was happily working in the cafe (pictured) until he was told to leave after an hour because he wasn’t going to buy anything else
‘They were the shortest conversations. But long enough for Caro to confirm that she has now upgraded my sentence to a total ban on entry to any of her Hawke’s Bay establishments,” Mr Story wrote.
‘I harbor absolutely no ill will towards Smiths and his property. I love that place. If my expulsion ever expires, I would love to get back together.
“But the reality is that one of us seriously misinterpreted the room.”
Mr Story said the cafe was asked for comment several times but declined.
Mr Story asked others in the hospitality industry what it is like to stay in a café after a meal.
The general consensus was that if the table was free, they were happy to have someone at the table, no matter how much they ordered.
They added that seeing someone sitting inside was attractive to other customers.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Smiths for further comment.
