Xjyuk

The other day I was walking with my cup to the Soda Fountain¹ at a restaurant. Someone was already using the fountain, but the drink they were getting was on the far right side, while what I wanted was closer to the left.

Figuring I had enough space to comfortably fill-up at the same time as them, I walked up and started to fill my cup...and proceeded to get a stink eye from the other person using the fountain.

This didn't result in more than a glare, but it did make me uncomfortable.

How can I tell when it's appropriate to use the Soda Fountain when someone is already on it in the future (as opposed for waiting for them to be finished)? Is there some etiquette on how far away the two drinks should be for two people to use it at once?

How can I tell whether or not I should wait for someone to finish, or step up to use the Soda Fountain at the same time as them?

^{1. For any unfamiliar with a "Soda Fountain," find a reference image below}

In my experience, though this does depends on both the area you live (the US is a big place) and the kind of establishment you are in.

I have most US experience on the west coast (and the mid west) so will give my perspective there.

In a casual or fast food place, this is generally fine, I would not hesitate to do this in say, a Subway, Costco or Burger King. In a fancier restaurant it is less likely to be acceptable as people are more likely to expect personal space (though most nice restaurants will have servers fill your drink rather than a fountain anyway).

The main exceptions to this would be if they are obviously filling multiple cups (such as refilling all the cups for their party and have two or three held), or if the fountain is small enough you may inadvertently touch them. I would say try and avoid coming within a foot of them in general.

Now to deal with your specific situation, of getting a glare, I would normally respond by apologizing (just "oh, sorry" should be fine) and stepping back until they were done (then finishing filling your drink after). They may have felt you were rushing them or judging them for taking too long, or simply value personal space highly. If they had a reason for wanting the whole machine this will quickly become obvious, and if not you have lost nothing more than a few seconds to avoid a conflict and they will likely look foolish for having been irritated with you.

The biggest factor is where the other person is standing. If they are standing directly or mostly in front of the machine, then they are effectively claiming exclusive use of the machine. If they are standing to the side of the machine, where service items and condiments might be, it's fine to approach from other side of the machine.

Interpersonally, the issue is you would have been intruding on their personal space by reaching in to get your drink.

There are many nuances to this though. If the machine had the same flavors on both sides, separated by the ice dispenser, then the machine is meant for two people.

You would face a similar situation at a buffet or salad bar where reaching into someone else section of the line is a bit obnoxious.

An occasional complication of this is drink mixers who may actually use dispensers on opposite sides of the machine in one serving. In that case, you would have delayed them.

In a larger context, the increasingly popular Freestyle machines cannot be used by more than one person eliminating this altogether.

I, as many others, have used soda fountains and other beverage dispensers countless times. You just have to judge how approachable the situation is.

How about simply asking them ?

If you're unsure if your behaviour will bother someone, a small question such as :

Do you mind if I fill my drink ?

Afterwards, just wait a second and if they seem uncomfortable answering, just step back, excuse yourself and wait for them to finish.

Otherwise they'll probably answer on the spot that it's not a problem and will make some room for you.