COOL OR NOT COOL: STARBUCKS CALLING THE COPS ON YOUR SQUATTER ASS?

Image via thesalmonfarm.orgGawker recently reported an incident at a Manhattan Starbucks in which a dude got kicked out of the joint for just sitting there and not buying anything. Here's the clincher though...they called the cops. I mean, that seems a little excessive, no? The tipster reported that the man was "well-dressed" i.e. not a homeless, crazy guy trying to eat his own elbow. Here's a snippet of the conversation that took place once the cops came:

Guy: "They told me to buy a cup of coffee or leave. That's pressure. I'm in Starbucks all the time. This isn't a Mom & Pop store."
Police: "It's a business and you have to buy something."
Guy: "Is this any way to run a business? I'm leaving, but I want your badge numbers."

So what's the deal Starbucks?

Let me get this straight.. when Starbucks charged for Internet, they encouraged people to sit and linger awhile (making Starbucks seem like a friendly, bustling but quaint neighborhood coffee shop). When they provided free internet THEN people started staying too long...so they started covering up power outlets and asking customers that hadn't purchased bevvies in a while to either buy something or move along. NOW they're calling the cops on people? A little ridic.

On the other hand, people should have the social decorum to buy at least one burnt-tasting caffeinated beverage if they are going to take up all the damn table space and outlets. Get it together, folks. If this were any other mom-and-pop coffee shop, no one would fight the issue of whether to buy something or not. It's because Starbucks is "the man" and we feel like we should have a right to squat at a table and use their shit-stained bathrooms whenever we damn well please. 

I have to say though, the 7th ave Starbucks here in the Slope is seriously one of the best I've ever been to. The people who work there (in my experience) have seemingly been smoking the same peace pipe as the people that work at Trader Joe's. They really couldn't be more pleasant. I doubt any dramz like calling the five-0 has EVER happened at that joint... I mean, there's a backyard patio oasis. 

But seriously, forget laptop hobos...how about we start regulating on the guy in the bathroom creating pop art murals with his own fecal matter? 

So guys, cool or not cool? Laptop squatting without buying? Should Starbucks have the right to kick 'em out and/or call the cops?

Secondly, have you noticed any places in the Slope cracking down like this?