Aestu wrote:
I would say you are completely accurate in your assessment. Yes, it was very busy, but I made a point of looking around the room and saw some tables (albeit few). Actually, I had a full plate of food and an empty beverage cup next to me; it had been my intent to get up and refill the beverage cup and eat the food, but I was very absorbed in what I was doing.
There are only two tables in the entire establishment within range of an electrical outlet. I have never seen anyone else use either. Therefore, the preventative policy argument carries no water, because the physical layout of the place puts an inherent limit on people doing this kind of thing.
Alright well this makes a lot more sense.
Clearly there were available spots - though few. So while people weren't explicitly waiting for tables, it's reasonable to assume there were slim pickings. Perhaps if a large enough group had come in they would have been screwed. This is a gray area for sure...so I don't think you're in the wrong. You also make a good point with the layout of the restaurant. If you had food still on your plate etc...then that adds more weight to your right to be there.
However, playing devil's advocate:
Aestu wrote:
In my dialogue with the manager, I said that I came often for this purpose, it was the appeal of the place. I said, leave me be and I will leave soon enough without dispute (and not return). I am not characteristic of the clientele, and I believe the manager picked me off because I was alone and he (mistakenly) believed I was less likely to take offense than some other people.
And yes I do think his intent was to be a dick. Why else escalate? If he's just doing his job, then logically, he should just move on and try someone else rather push the issue. Doesn't seem to do his job much good to start a fracas. He also could have tried, you know, asking really nicely, stating his motivations, etc. If you go for the dick approach, it's probably because you're more interested in being a dick than accomplishing your apparent goal/
-I think you're forgetting what made you a very conspicuous target - you were there with a laptop. I think that's why he targeted you, as you were obviously going to be there for a bit (or were planning on it)
We can't know what was going through his head...but I don't think it was so malicious as "what person can a bully out of here to free up some more tables" (though that's what the discussion became)....it probably started with "hmm we're getting pretty crowded and that curly haired boy has been here a while and hasn't touched his food and is fooling around on his laptop...I'm going to ask him to leave...."
-His approach was probably very dickish and you were the exact wrong person to act like that too. Again....perfect storm. I know if I had been him I would have gone up to you and asked nicely and explained (as you suggested)..."excuse me sir, we are getting pretty busy, will you be done soon? etc."
Anyway, I don't think you should sue because I think it's just a case of a manager with a legitimate concern having a very poor delivery and being a douche. You weren't in the wrong, but your combative personality got in the way and got the cops called.
In the future, when faced with such douchery, it's probably best to attempt to de-escalate (apologize, offer to close the laptop and finish your meal, etc.) -- and if he's still a douche just get out of there and voice your displeasure with a letter and a loss of their future business.
