October 7, 2026 at 5:35 pm

Customers Stayed At Her Table Well Past Closing Time, And She Was Desperate To Go Home

by Jayne Elliott

waitress looking bored and frustrated

Shutterstock

Closing time means closing time. While some customers seem to think that closing time is only a suggestion, a good customer would realize that employees would like to go home as soon as possible after closing time.

In this story, a server rants about a table of customers who definitely wore out their welcome. They arrived well before closing time, but they were in no rush to leave.

I think she should’ve politely kicked them out. Keep reading to see if you agree.

I understand you’ve just spent a lot of money here but we’re closed and We would like to go home.

Dear table 10,

I’m glad you came in last night. It was a slow Tuesday night and you were one of a handful of tables to come in.

I’m thankful for a 5 top on a slow day. I appreciate your business.

However next time I would appreciate you holding your business meeting elsewhere.

They were there a really long time.

5:00pm The first gentleman of your party arrives.

6:40pm You have finally ordered your entrees.

8:00pm All the left overs have been wrapped. The table is clear. You’re just chatting and finishing up your wine and coffee. You’re the last table here.

8:30pm The woman asks for the check. I’ve finished my sidework and as of right now the bartender and I are just watching tv.

The customers are still in no rush to leave.

8:40pm The woman hands the book back to me and I complete my cash out.

9:00pm We’re officially closed.

9:15pm Bar chairs are up. The signs are inside. Music is off. Heat is turned down. Lights are turned up and the broom is sitting in the corner. The bartender and I continue to watch tv.

9:40 The woman approaches me and says, “I know you want to go home but we just spent a lot of money here and need a little more time. So please bare(bear?) with us.”

She was really upset.

LADY YOU HAVE SOME NERVE.

You’re party has been here for over 4 hours. You spent a fair amount of money but $300 for 5 people at this place is isn’t too bad.

If you knew you were going to inconvenience us by staying late you should have tipped more than 15%. Have a little more courtesy.

Sincerely,

I can’t leave until I sweep and mop.

Is there a way to refuse? Simply tell the customers that you’re closed and they need to leave.

Let’s see how Reddit responded.

Here’s a funny idea that might actually work.

2026 10 03 at 11.52.19 AM Customers Stayed At Her Table Well Past Closing Time, And She Was Desperate To Go Home

A vacuum for the win!

2026 10 03 at 11.52.49 AM Customers Stayed At Her Table Well Past Closing Time, And She Was Desperate To Go Home

This person seems to imply that the customers aren’t very smart.

2026 10 03 at 11.53.01 AM Customers Stayed At Her Table Well Past Closing Time, And She Was Desperate To Go Home

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about an employee who found a way around his company’s denial of company time to study for his Commercial Driver’s License.

A customer weighs in.

2026 10 03 at 11.53.32 AM Customers Stayed At Her Table Well Past Closing Time, And She Was Desperate To Go Home

Those customers were really rude. I wish I could think of a good comeback for her to say to them to get them to leave without being too rude. The vacuum idea is a good one.

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Jayne Elliott | Contributing Writer, Life & Drama

Jayne Elliott is a contributing writer and editor for TwistedSifter specializing in human interest stories, internet culture, and family dynamics. With over 12 years of editorial experience in digital publishing, Jayne excels at analyzing complex online communities and transforming viral social debates into thoughtful, highly engaging narratives.

Rather than simply aggregating internet drama, Jayne brings a sharp, empathetic editorial eye to everyday dilemmas. She has a unique talent for unpacking the nuances of pop culture and online conflicts, providing readers with relatable, well-researched commentary.

Based in California, Jayne spends her free time outside the newsroom exploring theme parks with her family or beach-combing along the coast.

Follow Jayne's adventures and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.