My daughter was forced to squat outside Kopitiam Vivo City for eating cupcakes " NO OUTSIDE FOOD".

My daughter was forced to squat outside Kopitiam Vivo City for eating cupcakes as " NO OUTSIDE FOOD" policy in Kopitiam... and we bought food. We had a very disappointing experience at Kopitiam Vivo City. Despite buying food (Bobo Chacha and Tau Suan) from Kopitiam, my 4-year-old daughter was forced to squat outside with her cupcakes while my wife and I took turns keeping her company while the other gobbled down the hot desserts. The Kopitiam Steward rigidly enforced the "NO OUTSIDE FOOD" policy, citing potential job loss if he showed compassion. I do not blame him as he is doing his job and making a living. I'm bemused by the policy's inflexibility and very upset by the treatment of my daughter. I question the double standard, as others brought in bottled water without issue. What about mothers feeding their babies milk or toddlers being fed home cooked food? Will they be chased out too? Even when the parents bought food in Kopitiam? Thankfully, McDonald's showed kindness by offering my daughter a seat. Kopitiam, please reconsider your policy and show empathy for families with young children. I hope you'll make amends. I am writing in this community page or post as I do not think giving constructive feedback to @Kopitam.SG privately will have any response. Am I as a parent is overreacting or do you think Kopitam policy is just too rigid

Cedric Kang

Daddy of 1 troublemaking boy

3 Replies

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My pov, the no outside food rules is more to prevent unnecessary contamination and also, if touch wood someone were to get food poisoning, it’s no end if everyone were to bring in little foods. At 4yo, most probably already weaned off home brought food and is able to consume outside food so I feel that it’s not fair to compare baby’s milk and young toddler’s home brought food. Most toddlers that requires home cooked food are generally those 1yos & below yes? You cannot stop babies and young toddlers (1) from wanting to feed because they don’t know when is an appropriate place/time which is why babies milk/snacks for babies/young toddlers are allowed onboard on public transport (I checked with the smrt staff before and above is exactly what he replied me). Of course, I understand your stand as a parent but I felt that you can explain the situation to your LO, maybe let her know that she can have cupcakes later when mummy and daddy are done or she can try out the desserts with you guys. Otherwise distract her with something else rather than being insistent on finishing the cupcake (and all parties won’t enjoy the food as well).

No means no. It’s stated and you knew it. It’s a teachable moment for your child that there are different rules in different places, and you need to respect them all, if not, you can always choose the alternatives. Why do you even argue about baby milk? Are you serious? It’s out of goodwill that Mcd offered you a seat, but you can’t be expecting others to do the same. Kopitiam didn’t break any rules, you were the one who failed to follow.

1 more comment

Anonymous

5mo ago

I’m sure the staff from kopitiam was upset too, having to handle the situation when the rule is being clearly displayed. I wouldn’t expect “flexibility” from others, especially strangers, they have absolutely no obligation towards my family at all. There’s a Chinese saying 帮你是情分，不帮你是本分. If I were you, I would tell my child that I’m so proud of her for being able to compromise in such situation at such young age. Or maybe suggest her to be flexible in choosing a snack from kopitiam.

TapFluencer

gosh! my opinion too rigid

Anonymous

5mo ago

So meaning to say, children can take advantage and not follow rules, create unnecessary problem for the working staff? Self entitled much?

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