This can only happen when EVs are rare. If EVs are a significant percentage of all cars, there will no longer be free charging. 100 EVs wanting to charge at 4 chargers at a movie theater won't work.

There will never be universal free charging, but I'm fairly sure there free charging will be common place for a while, and I believe will become more common.

Here's the simple math: At $0.10/kWh, a Level II 40A charger (9.6kW) costs just under $1/hr. If providing free charging means you shop at the Safeway instead of Piggly Wiggly down the street, then it is a good deal for the store owner. If fact, my Safeway has had free charging for several years now.

Same with seeing the latest Avengers movie at the Cinemark instead of the AMC. If 100 EVs show up a bit early to get a chance at those four spots...that works great! What do you do if you arrive early at movie besides go to the snack bar?

There potential problems, but potential work arounds too. Like providing free charging with a validation.