my family owns a local restaurant in a small town. we have “no outside food or drink” policy (excluding food/drinks for babies/toddlers & people with medical conditions) and we made sure to put big signs right by the door and also at the ordering counter. lately, people have beeen extremely rude when i reinforce the policy even when i nicely tell them that they can get it togo or they can dine outside (we have outside tables). also, often times, these people bring food from competitors establishments. but yeah, is it a common courtesy to not bring outside food into a restaurant?

EDIT: i am not talking about water bottles! i am talking about actual food and drinks like starbucks, coffee, smoothies, etc (because we also specializes in coffee). water is FINE.

another EDIT: my mom got called a bitch for NICELY, i repeat, NICELY tell a man we can’t have outside food in the cafe.