Bengaluru Hotels Consider Table Fee for Customers Sitting for Long Hours

Hotels across Bengaluru may soon introduce "table charges" for customers who occupy seats for long hours after placing minimal orders, with owners citing growing concerns over revenue loss and limited seating capacity.

The proposal is currently under discussion within the Bengaluru Hotel Owners' Association, which says several members have flagged the issue of customers staying for extended periods after ordering only a cup of tea, coffee or a light snack.

Revenue pressure during peak hours

Hotel operators say prolonged table occupancy during peak hours blocks seats for waiting diners and reduces turnover. This is particularly challenging for small and medium-sized establishments that operate with limited space and tight margins.

Some owners have pointed out that groups often use hotel premises as informal meeting spots, occupying tables for long durations without placing additional orders. According to them, this affects the regular flow of business, especially in high-footfall commercial zones.

Proposal under discussion

Association members are considering a table usage fee - similar in principle to parking charges - for customers who remain seated for long hours with minimal spending. They argue that such a system could encourage fair table rotation and help safeguard daily earnings without targeting genuine diners who visit for meals.

Several hotel owners have reportedly submitted formal complaints to the association, seeking measures to address the issue.

Government nod likely to be sought

The proposal remains at a preliminary stage. The association is expected to approach the Karnataka government for clarity on legal provisions and to ensure that any implementation is uniform across the city.

Hotel owners maintain that the aim is not to discourage casual visits, but to strike a balance between customer convenience and sustainable business operations in a city where dining spaces are often in high demand.