There is a certain rule of common courtesy to food service that most people don’t understand. It is so utterly rude and inconsiderate when a customer rolls up to the storefront a mere 10 minutes before closing. If a store closes at 10pm, do not show up at 9:50pm demanding service.

The groans of an employee are contained. As soon as the customer opens the door, the employee adopts the classic artificial grin and cheerful tone; “Hello! Welcome! How are you today?”

The employee knows that when someone shows up at this time, it adds another 10-20 minutes to their closing routine. Though a customer may stay only a few minutes, the setback is immense. Most people who don’t work in service don’t know that servers begin closing half an hour before the actual close time.

Employees are exhausted after shifts. Food service tends to be fast-paced, and they often don’t even have time to sit down. Closing is most optimal when it is quick and efficient. This way, servers get home earlier and are able to get some much-needed rest.

So when a customer comes in, they leave a mess. Extra cleaning. They ask to have something that you have already packed up and put away. Extra cleaning. Is there a trend here? Probably. Extra customers: extra cleaning.

So next time a restaurant closes in 10 minutes, customers should consider the feelings of the employees. Not only would they annoy the servers, but they also hold back the whole staff from going home.

The only way that this is excusable is if the server is tipped. Generously. If patrons planned to tip 15% on a bill, tip 25%. Often, especially with counter jobs, people who hold an employee back don’t tip at all.

The easiest form of action would be to simply not come in 10 minutes before closing. Even with tipping, it’s annoying to have to stay late because some jerk just needed a late night snack.