How Long Is It O.K. to Linger in a Cafe or Restaurant? McDonald's, Starbucks and other cafes and restaurants have become popular gathering spots for everyone from teenagers to the elderly. This month a McDonald's in Queens finally arranged a truce after months of mounting tension with a group of elderly Korean patrons who have been using the restaurant as a meeting place for several hours each day. Do you ever think about overstaying your welcome in a public space? How long is it O.K. to linger in a cafe or restaurant? In the article "The Food May Be Fast, but These Customers Won't Be Rushed," Sarah Maslin Nir writes: Should patrons be considerate of a business's need to make money? Should they make room for other customers? Or should a public space like McDonald's be available for everyone as long as they want? Do you ever linger in public spaces, like fast-food restaurants or malls? Do you try to be considerate of other customers or store staff? Have you ever been asked to leave some place? Did it feel fair?