As a business owner, perhaps you can add some insight to this. Power Users, Ready for a Refill (Smart businesses try to solve the electrical outlet shortage) My feeling is, unless the business had the outlets installed specifically for cutomer use, they're off limits.
"It is almost as if people see the outlets as public property,"...
Interesting thread. At places that cater to folks who sit down in their shops, i.e., Starbucks and restaurants I can see this as an asset but in other places, just because the electrical outlet is there doesn't mean the juice is free.
It's amazing how many folks don't understand the cost of doing business. I have to pay rent to operate my business that is three or four times higher than my rent at home, a phone bill that is quadruple that of my home line, electric, water, maintenance, licenses, taxes, shipping, etc., and I do have to pay for the product you buy. On top of that everytime you use your credit or debit card a piece of that money you paid goes straight to the merchant processer, and out of my bank account.
One nice thing is seeing all the 'other' small business owners coming into our shop, they want to buy from other small businesses because they understand the importance of it./rant