In my establishments people are allowed to wait for friends without ordering. In fact I have my employees offer them water free of charge. If I'm in and feeling generous I might offer them a Coke or similar on me. I've even sent out complimentary food. Not even just apps, full entrees.
I open a lot of places and it's not uncommon for locals to wander in just to check out the new place in their neighborhood and to verbalize that they're not there to patronize. I don't ask them to leave. I might offer them water or food especially if the kitchen is testing menu items out.