For many people in Bengaluru, cafés and hotels have become unofficial offices — places to take meetings, work remotely or spend hours over a single cup of coffee. But one hotel in the city has decided
to draw a clear line, and it is not a cheap one.
A hotel in Bengaluru has triggered a lively online debate after putting up a notice banning long meetings and warning customers of a fine for occupying a table for more than an hour.
The notice, spotted at a hotel in the city, states that meetings lasting over one hour will attract a penalty of Rs 1,000 per hour. A photo of the board was shared on X. While the name of the hotel was not disclosed, the post quickly went viral, drawing over 30,000 views and a flood of reactions.
saw this notice posted at an eatery in BLR pic.twitter.com/nnEpjPjRjg
— Shobhit Bakliwal (@shobhitic) January 25, 2026
The sign reflects growing frustration among hoteliers in Bengaluru, where cafés and small hotels have increasingly turned into informal meeting spaces. With the rise of start-ups, remote work and real estate negotiations, many customers tend to occupy tables for long periods, often ordering little or nothing.
According to the notice, this trend is hurting business. It explains that customers sitting for hours, especially during peak times, prevent other patrons from being served, directly impacting small traders. The board openly states that it represents what many hoteliers have been thinking but rarely say out loud.
Bengaluru’s café culture has long doubled as a meeting hub. From start-up discussions and work calls to real estate negotiations and even families meeting prospective brides and grooms, hotels and cafés are often used as neutral meeting grounds. As a result, tables can remain occupied for hours.
The image sparked mixed reactions online. Some users supported the move, saying they had seen people sit for hours without ordering food or drinks. Others pointed out that such signs are rarely seen in pubs and bars, calling it a reflection of how different businesses handle space and customers. One use even shared the amusing rules that Bengaluru eateries have, “Bangalore eateries have some of the quirkiest rules and regulations, some seemingly made up just because…Love ’em! Here’s one that I clicked – you can’t ask for the Dosa Chutney with Idly – they’re different, you can’t mix ’em!”
A few commenters noted that hotels and cafés in Bengaluru have recently begun enforcing stricter rules to protect their revenue. Others argued that people who need to sit for long periods should choose corporate coffee chains, which are designed for extended stays and meetings.
While opinions remain divided, the sign has clearly struck a chord in a city where work, business and social life often blur over cups of coffee.
