A keen reader was left bemused after being kicked out of a coffee shop for reading a book on an iPad. The crazy part? Another customer was reading from a Kindle.
In the viral clip, which has amassed 1.2 million views, Nads (@nadsthebads) can be seen walking through the streets of Toronto. On-screen text reads, “Two seconds from a crash-out because a popular coffee shop in Toronto just kicked me out for reading a book on a first gen iPad but let the girl reading the Kindle stay.”
While Nads didn’t disclose the name of the coffee shop, several commenters speculated that the coffee shop she was referring to was the Neo Coffee Bar in Toronto. Nads also liked multiple comments that referred to Neo. According to The Globe and Mail, the independent coffee chain implements a tablet and laptop ban on weekdays from 5pm, and on weekends and holidays.
Speaking to the outlet, manager of operations Kengo Torikai said: “Around 4:30 p.m, we go with the signage, we talk to the customers individually and let them know, ‘Hey, sorry to bother you, just to let you know we’re doing no laptops after 5.’ Customers have at least 30 minutes to wrap it up.”
Comments were mixed
Elsewhere, commenters had conflicting opinions on whether the rule was a good idea. “The way my malicious compliance streak would make me bring one of my portable manual typewriters,” one wrote.
“Urgh, that’s infuriating,” another added. “If they’re gonna have a no tech rule then at least enforce it equally!”
While a third shared, “Got kicked out of Neo for checking my blood sugar on my phone once. Was told the tablet/laptop policy had been updated to no screens. I would’ve happily put my phone away once I knew my sugar, so I could take insulin, but the male barista was overbearing. Asked me to [go] out off premises […] and return.”
A fourth had a different perspective, writing, “This is my first time hearing about no tech cafes. I love it. Gives me hope for the future.”
@nadsthebads this is my sign to never go outside again… update: i posted a storytime #toronto ♬ Just A Girl – No Doubt
The TikToker posted follow-ups
Nads then posted a few follow-up videos. In one clip, she alluded to the fact that Neo was getting review-bombed following the original TikTok, which The Mary Sue was able to independently verify.
In another, she went into more depth about her experience. She began by saying that she was well aware of the no-laptop rule. She used her first-gen iPad solely for reading. However, when she sat down to read in the cafe, she was informed that there was a ‘no laptop’ policy. The barista continued to double down on the ‘laptop’ part. After some back and forth, the barista walked away, but then returned and tripled down on the policy.
Nads told viewers she ended up leaving because she felt uncomfortable and discriminated against, and despite telling the barista this, they didn’t appear remorseful toward her.
In a final update, Nads shared that the coffee shop still hadn’t contacted her. She also said that she asked the barista’s name and intended to complain about her experience to the manager. However, the worker declined.
Nads didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment.
Neo didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via email.
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