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A coffee shop chain has issued an apology after banning school students who were revising for exams from one of its locations. The incident occurred at the Coffi Lab café in Whitchurch, Cardiff, where the café displayed a sign declaring the venue a “no study zone,” advising pupils to use the nearby library instead for their schoolwork.
Coffi Lab later acknowledged that the rule, which required students to be accompanied by an adult to remain on the premises, was introduced due to the staff being overwhelmed by pupils who stayed for long periods, often without purchasing items and bringing in outside food. The company stated that it did not communicate these restrictions well and has since reverted to their previous laptop policy, removing the sign altogether.
The Whitchurch branch, situated near Whitchurch High School where many students prepare for important GCSE and A-level exams, initially posted a sign featuring a dog with a coffee alongside a laptop and a pointer to the library opposite. The notice informed local school pupils that they could no longer study in the café without an adult, urging them to respect other customers by relocating to the library.
One parent, Tom Griffin, whose 15-year-old son was asked to leave the café, expressed his surprise at the policy and felt that the restrictions unfairly singled out teenagers. He explained that his son and friends had just finished a history exam and were being courteous while purchasing refreshments. Griffin argued that given the pressure exams place on students, it was reasonable for them to gather and work together in a café setting. Although he offered to remain with the group, the students were still asked to leave. Griffin also highlighted that teenagers are often misunderstood and emphasized their positive role in the community.
Following public feedback, Coffi Lab apologized on social media, admitting the decision was a mistake. The company emphasized its efforts to create a welcoming environment for all community members but cited the strain on staff and limited seating capacity that prompted the temporary rule. While Coffi Lab continues to collaborate with the local school, it hopes the school can better address students’ needs so the café can comfortably accommodate small groups in adherence to existing policies.
The BBC reached out to Whitchurch High School for comment on the situation. The episode follows a similar case in Aberystwyth last month, when another café had to prohibit customers from occupying tables for excessively long periods to manage space effectively
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