Introduction:A coffee shop on Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island sparked heated debate after refusing to allow a non-paying customer to use its restroom. A staff member’s blunt remark of “we only care about money” quickly went viral on social media. Do businesses have an obligation to open their facilities? How should consumers understand the operational logic of commercial spaces? This article explores the practicalities of café management, examines the boundary between public space and private resources, and offers practical advice for travelers facing similar situations.
Recently, a short video filmed in Xiamen’s Gulangyu Island ignited intense online discussion: a coffee shop denied a father—who hadn’t made a purchase—the use of its restroom for his child, leading to an argument inside the store. In the footage, the man accused the shop of “only caring about money,” while the staff and later the shop owner frankly responded, “Yes, we only care about money,” insisting that customers must make a purchase to use the establishment’s only restroom.
According to insiders, this coffee shop, located at a popular tourist spot, had long displayed a “No Visitors” sign, clearly stating that non-customers were not allowed inside. At the time of the incident, the man’s child urgently needed to use the restroom, and when he tried to negotiate for access, he was refused. The shop explained that the facility was reserved for paying customers and needed to consider the needs of other guests, making it impossible to open it solely for him.
After the incident gained public attention, online opinions quickly divided. Supporters of the business pointed out that restrooms are private facilities, and owners have the right to decide who can use them: “Providing a service is a kindness, not providing one is your right.” Opponents argued that emergency situations involving children should allow for flexible handling, suggesting that businesses at least make exceptions for the elderly or young children: “Commercial behavior should also have basic humanity.”」；Opponents argue that there should be flexibility to address children's urgent needs, suggesting that businesses at least make exceptions for the elderly or children, "Business practices also need basic humanity."
From the perspective of café operations, small shops often restrict restroom access for non-customers due to hygiene, safety, and cost concerns. Professional advice suggests that shops should clearly post usage rules (such as hanging bilingual signs in Chinese and English) and prepare response scripts in advance—such as directing customers to nearby public restrooms (most attractions on Gulangyu Island have public restrooms within a 5-minute walk) or offering the option to make a small purchase for convenience.），or simply purchase a drink and provide convenience.
For travelers, when visiting popular commercial areas, it’s advisable to check shop reviews in advance or plan restroom stops ahead of time. In case of emergencies, polite communication (such as offering to make a purchase or waiting briefly) is often more effective than arguing directly.
The essence of this controversy reflects the blurry line between commercial spaces and public services. Businesses must balance operational efficiency with maintaining a positive community image, while consumers should also understand the operational realities of private establishments. Regardless of one’s stance, rational dialogue and mutual respect are key to resolving disagreements.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
