University students have hit out after being BANNED from studying at a univerity-owned cafe during peak hours - including all day on weekends.
The Café at the Whitworth Art Gallery sits just moments away from the University of Manchester's main campus, and is used by many of the university’s students who are looking for a quieter place to study.
But signs distributed on tables eatery ban customers from using certain tables to 'study' between 11am and 2pm on weekdays, and prohibit studying completely on weekends. The Café defended the policy, saying they 'want to ensure that all visitors have the opportunity' to use the cafe - but students told the Manchester Evening News they had been left feeling 'annoyed'.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
The signs read: 'Please note that this is a study-free table between 11am-2pm weekdays and all weekend'.
Medical student Ellie, 21, said: “In exam season, it can be hard to find somewhere to study and you come here because it’s quieter. It is quite annoying what’s happened.”
While a group of students claimed: “Instead of printing out these pieces of paper, they could think about giving us better study spaces.”
One regular visitor to the gallery, who isn't a student, told the M.E.N she was also baffled by the decision, adding that students 'cause no problems at all' in the cafe.
"I can understand on a business point of view, but they should think of other ways to change things instead of just saying no," she said.
“I do notice people with laptops, but I couldn’t categorically tell you that they were all students. They could be shopping on Amazon for all we know.
“As far as I’m concerned, if there is space, they should be allowed to study here all the time. They sit quietly, they do their stuff and I have absolutely no problem with them.”
However, there are some students who understand why the gallery has put the signs up on the tables.
A Drama and Film student said: “I think it’s not too outrageous as there are a lot of other places dedicated to being study spaces and if they want to reserve a few tables so business is better, then I don’t mind. For instance, I’m not planning on buying more than one coffee even though we’ll be here for a couple of hours studying.
“We can see why people do like to study here though as it’s a lovely space to work in with all the natural light. We’ve got exams and deadlines at the moment so coming here has been a nice change of scene.”
Ed Watts, Interim Deputy Director at the Whitworth, said: "As a University art gallery, the Whitworth has many spaces and projects available for students to spend time exploring our exhibitions and collections or sitting and studying in our spaces.
"Alongside the café, we have a range of free and available spaces for our visitors to choose from including our Office of Arte Util, School of Creativity and Lower Promenade which we encourage visitors to utilise and spend time studying in at the gallery.
"During the busy lunchtime period at the café, we want to ensure that all visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a drink and some food, should they choose to."
READ NEXT:
- Moment masked robbers took young girls, 7 and 12, hostage with knives and threatened to “kill” boy before ransacking home
- Doer-upper house with 'huge potential' in one of Greater Manchester's most sought-after areas goes on market for just £160,000
- Pervert arrested at NURSERY where he worked as a cook after he was caught sending sick messages to 'girls'
- Two new Manchester restaurants up for gongs at prestigious national awards
- CCTV images show man wanted for 'performing sex act' in front of woman sat in car
