I understand the second part of your post, makes total sense and I've seen that happen myself. But like others here have said, if refills aren't free, the soda machine shouldn't be where customers can refill themselves. I think that makes the situation more ridiculous.

 

That and the fact that he stiffed them out of what $1.29?

That and the fact that he stiffed them out of what $1.29?

 

And they had better make sure they treated everyone in the past the same way as they did this gentleman.

What is crazy is that they charge for refills, yeah some abuse it but most don't get a refill when eating at a place like this. Then when you consider the original price of the drink paid for the cup plus contents, the cost of the refill of ice and drink only is less than .20cents and more likely closer to .10cents for a fountain dispenser. Counting the cost of the cup there is a 70-90% markup on Coke/Pepsi fountains depending what the restaurant charges.

And let's not forget the real reason the drink machine being where it is in the first place. I'd go with the idea that the cafeteria wants their lines to move faster...without having to pay for an additional worker to handle drinks behind the counter...so, they make the public serve themselves. But, if they want to control it's output...then it needs to be behind the counter. Can't have their cake and eat it too.

What is crazy is that they charge for refills, yeah some abuse it but most don't get a refill when eating at a place like this. Then when you consider the original price of the drink paid for the cup plus contents, the cost of the refill of ice and drink only is less than .20cents and more likely closer to .10cents for a fountain dispenser. Counting the cost of the cup there is a 70-90% markup on Coke/Pepsi fountains depending what the restaurant charges.

 

Much larger markup than that.

Of course we don't know all the circumstances but if that is the case the drink machine shouldn't be open for the customers to access. Furthermore, I assume this policy is in place to keep the hospital employees from getting endless refills. But to slap a worker and/or visitor with something like this. And then not let him pay when questioned assuming that is the truth.

 

Not only would I fight that to the last degree I would sue the hospital.

 

 

While I'm not in complete agreement that if it weren't free, the drink machine shouldn't have been open for customer access, I think that it should have been clearly stated (signs) and practical (custom) that this cafeteria was different than 90+ percent of the places you'll eat at and have access to a free refill via a soda fountain.

 

Agree on the assumption of the policy underlying no free refills.

 

Definitely agree on slapping a worker/visitor with something like this (apparently with no warning)... again assuming that this is the truth... is just ridiculous. I'd hope my tax dollars are better spent than this crap. However, you have to think that there at least COULD be more to it.

 

Again, that's assuming that this wasn't a daily thing that he had a problem with and/or was just a jerk about. Even if it was a big deal, just be clear about it that what he was doing wasn't cool and ask him to leave. If he comes back and does it again or isn't on his best behavior, then ask him to leave again/tell him not to come back. At least when you arrest him for something so small after he's CLEARLY pushed the issue, it looks soooo much better.

 

I am confused by the hospital's statement of "theft of government property" when the ticket says "shoplifting" (which seems more applicable and less of a "trumped up" charge).

 

The hospital administration has already backed off his actions:

"Officials with the VA Medical Center in downtown Charleston say a North Charleston man who was initially federally charged with a $525 fine for an $.89 drink refill will instead be given a warning.

"In reviewing the case, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center has determined a warning in lieu of a citation is sufficient in this case," a statement released by the VA stated on Thursday."

 

 

Picture of the what claims to be the citation below:

S.C. construction worker handed $525 fine for 89-cent refill - NY Daily News

And they had better make sure they treated everyone in the past the same way as they did this gentleman.

 

I think that this is the bigger issue than the soda machine's location when it comes to this one.

Dixie Chili tried to charge for Refills a few years back and that didn't last very long....

Dixie Chili tried to charge for Refills a few years back and that didn't last very long....

 

Charging for refills with a fountain machine is pure greed.

Delete...

Just did some quick math... If a business uses five gallon bags of soda syrup, each 10 oz serving would use 2 oz of syrup. Say they charge $1.29 for a soda, that's $412 PER BAG they could make. Factor in the cost of syrup (around $100 for a 5 gallon bag), that's $300 in profit per one brand of soda.

 

Unreal.

 

Bag In Box Soda System | Bag In Box System Guide

Dixie Chili tried to charge for Refills a few years back and that didn't last very long....

 

Had a Wendy's that used to charge 25-cents for a refill...and they gave you a new cup in the process!!! I asked one of the workers, how my first drink (with a cup/lid/drink) cost my $1.99...but, my second drink (which included everything but the lid)...cost me only 25-cents?!?!? I said, man, those are some expensive lids you guys are using. He said "I know, right?" A few months later, they ended up dropping the charge as well.

Just did some quick math... If a business uses five gallon bags of soda syrup, each 10 oz serving would use 2 oz of syrup. Say they charge $1.29 for a soda, that's $412 PER BAG they could make. Factor in the cost of syrup (around $100 for a 5 gallon bag), that's $300 in profit per one brand of soda.

 

Unreal.

 

Bag In Box Soda System | Bag In Box System Guide

 

Fountain drinks have always been the huge cash cow at fast food joints. That is why the Value Meal was created , they take no real hit on their bottom line.

They should have tased him.

 

:laugh: