Laptop not allowed in VR mall food court?

Last week. Me and my friend were looking for a place to work from. And we thought VR mall would be good due to the available food options, no loud music and relatively less noise on weekdays. My friend was in a call on his laptop and I went to get some food while a bouncer type guy approached him in the middle of the call and said laptops are not allowed here. He just disappeared after that and we left soon after that. I found it really strange because people sit there without ordering anything either scrolling on their phones or just talking. But nobody seems to bother them. But they have problem with someone working on a laptop who is a good potential customer. Also looking for a new place to work from. All cafes have load af music and I don't there are any co working spaces available for a short duration.