So, we've had a very interesting and good discussion on seat etiquette as it pertains to public transit. Now I'd like opinions on public seating - as in at a place of business.

What are your feelings on this? Sitting down at a food business and not patronizing the establishment. Well maybe I would. But what would you do when all the seats are taken and you see a person who is a patron look for a place to sit down? Would you give up your seat? What if you were a staff member and this was your customer?

To clarify, if the staff member was themself a patron of the place, ie having a coffee, I see no problem; they are a customer after all.

Background. It seems I can never get a seat at the Starbucks cafe at my grocery store. The seats are invariably taken by people who are clearly not patronizing the establishment - like people waiting for a ride or even staff having a meeting. It is frustrating. My opinion is these seats are for patrons,