zillions of places have a 'minimum charge'. It's the most normal thing. You might not think it's fair, but it's designed to stop people grazing out at tables ordering one espresso a night.

As we love to say on qatarliving, if you don't like it, you don't have to stay in the place! Just leave! I'm sure some indignant QL-er will happily drive you to the nearest McDonald's! LOL