JC teen says 'no studying' sign at Coffee Bean outlet is "discriminatory against students"

Stomper ChanRic was dismayed to see a 'no studying' sign displayed at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's outlet at Compass One last Friday (Oct 5).

The 17-year-old junior college student was studying for H3 Mathematics at the cafe when he noticed the sign.

ChanRic, who did not get turned away by cafe staff, said: "There were also a lot of other students studying there.

"I feel that the sign is actually discriminatory against students, especially when the peak period for customers is on (even during the national exam period)."

When asked if he had any suggested solutions regarding the matter, ChanRic told Stomp: "A better solution would be to encourage The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf staff to remove 'no studying' signboards in all of its outlets, especially when there are not enough seats available for students there or at other food shops or restaurants."

The Stomper added that this was the first time he came across the sign at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and that he "has not seen similar signs at other cafes."

Asked whether he had provided feedback to the coffee chain about how he felt, ChanRic said he had not done so "as there are already many people feedbacking to the company about the incident".

According to a 2009 report, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has a corporate rule against students using its premises as a place of study.

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