Tissue issue:Eateries should put first-come-first-use notice
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Apr 26, 2011 - ST Forum
WHAT Mr Francis Cheng pointed out is indeed a common problem in our increasingly crowded public spaces ('An issue with tissue on road to graciousness'; April 16).
The attempt to 'reserve' a seat or a table at eateries is deemed necessary by patrons because there is clearly a shortage of seats and tables at peak hours. No doubt, when one is in need of a seat, such conduct is deemed natural, but it is neither gracious nor kind.
This is a practical problem and we need to find a practical solution. Why not begin by not accepting this practice? Eatery operators can post notices on all tables and counters and encourage a 'first-come-first-use' system. At the same time, introduce stand-up counters for patrons. These stand-up counters occupy less space and are very practical for fast-moving lunch and dinner crowds.
There are many aspects to graciousness, such as being kind and charitable, and being civic-minded and considerate towards others. While we have not reached the level of graciousness that the Japanese are known for, we can always improve. We can do so by removing opportunities for self-centred or selfish behaviour; and by creating opportunities for sharing limited spaces.
A gracious society begins with each individual taking ownership to create one. I take ownership when I resist reserving seats and tables, and discouraging others from doing so. My responsibility to help create a gracious society is best manifested when I consciously make room for others and invite others to share the limited space with me.
Dr William Wan
General Manager
Singapore Kindness Movement Secretariat -
those type still think they go on a saturday reetaurant outing. that's why i prefer to take away and just evat at anyplace with a seat and some clean air. the people all go in big groups, chop sits and hog the whole table eat and wait for all others to get the food, eat and finish. imagine the table and sits all taken and really in public place not like you book a restaurant or what. worse laughing andd having to hear all their shit and crap about tpoics no one else but the little grouop only intersted in is a really pain in the arse.
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Apr 28, 2011 - Straits Times
The tissue issue that won't go away
Ad reignites debate on using tissue packs to reserve seats
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unspoken culture
nothing wrong
in fact, it's uniquely singapore!!!
u dun wanna hold a tray of hot laksa and walk 4 rounds around the fc looking for a seat rite?
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putting a tissue is the same as putting a bag there to reserve seat.
nothing wrong with that.
if you disagree you do the same lah.
if you cant beat them, join them!!
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This is a unspoken way of reserving the seats Singapore style.
In Singapore do what the Singaporeans do.
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This problem will stay with us for a long long long donkey time.
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but the thing is its not a restaurant, where you reserved seat by booking in advance.
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Annoying, but necessary. Either develop more eating spaces or put up with it. I always clear my place and put the crockery away... better than wait until cleaning auntie comes. So I guess that helps a bit, but in general it's a problem of lack of space, not manners.
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i dont see it as a problem
but as a culture -
imagine walking around with your food and not finding a place to sit.
i am sure a lot of people have this experience.
the frustration is terrible!!
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if someone come back to the table with hot soup..
