Haven't coffee shops since the beginning two hundred years ago been places where people might hang out for a long time without spending much? In the 1800s and beginning of the 1900s? It shouldn't be a problem that people spend time there without spending money, as long as there's plenty of empty tables available, as I see it. And most laptop patrons are conscious to spend some money and not overstay their welcome.
The idea pitched in the article would probably only work with Dutch or central Europeans in general, who unfortunately lack a lot in culture after WWII. Europeans love rules and regulations, and will follow them and take any opportunity to abuse things when there's no explicit rule. Such as overstaying your welcome with your laptop in a café. If this idea with a minimum spend would be pitched in a more mature culture, people would just scoff at it and not visit such a café.
The idea pitched in the article would probably only work with Dutch or central Europeans in general, who unfortunately lack a lot in culture after WWII. Europeans love rules and regulations, and will follow them and take any opportunity to abuse things when there's no explicit rule. Such as overstaying your welcome with your laptop in a café. If this idea with a minimum spend would be pitched in a more mature culture, people would just scoff at it and not visit such a café.