Classic r/Netherlands post and replies:
Can you take napkins from the AH To Go without paying for anything?
@vaurora I see answers amounting to 'it's technically theft', 'nobody cares, you'll be fine' and 'the polite thing to do is ask', and I expect all three of those are true at the same time.
If I found myself doing it often, I'd buy a pocket pack of tissues (or a whole pack of those pocket packs, which probably costs about the same in a regular supermarket as a single pack in the AH To Go).
Another thing is that the shop might, next to the napkins, also offer those plastic spork thingies. If it's OK to take a napkin without paying or asking, does that mean you can also take a spork? Or an empty coffee cup?
@wynke I see those spork things on the ground near the office buildings on my island so they have become napkin-level cheap disposable item in my head now. Personally I spend so much money at AH To Go that I would never feel bad about taking any of those things
I just went ahead and tried it. Walked to one of the cashiers and asked them. They said that I could take as many napkins as I needed.
I wouldn't be surprised if it differs per store and even between the staffers. From what I gather (not sure though), AH to Go can be franchisees too - like the regular AHs.
@h3artbl33d yeah apparently the ones in train stations are owned by NS
I actually know someone who manages the AH To Go stores, I've asked her for the answer
My friend at AH To Go says you're allowed to take the napkins without buying something but you should be respectful. The unwritten rule is no more than 5
@vaurora “ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies”
