[Funwith3]

We have a group booking for tomorrow night at a restaurant - there are about 8-10 of us. Now, keep in mind it's a Tuesday night.

The restaurant has told us that we will be charged $40 for whoever doesn't turn up. Now this is a group of mums, so of course, someone's child could get sick, someone's baby might play up (most likely mine )... Are restaurants allowed to charge for a no show? And $40?! Seems very excessive to me. And again, it's just a Tuesday, it's not a weekend.

[Becky Thatcher]

I am sure it is allowed. Their restaurant, their rules. Probably sick of no-shows. If you don't like it go somewhere else. Sounds like they have enough business and especially this time of year.

[Becky Thatcher]

Bugger, I posted on the unpopular thread. See, I AM a thread killer

[rjflc69]

Apologies from me, something 'funky' has happened and the other thread has been removed. I am copying all replies into this thread.

Fiona

Id go elsewhere. That's weird.

I have never heard of this before. Is it an exclusive restaurant that is hard to get into??

[rjflc69]

We have a few in our areas that charge like that, or if you book over x amount there is a minimum amount the table has to spend. (It was explained to me that this is because they got sick of older teens booking a table and ording tables of garlic bread and staying there for hours on end) Don't blame them really. My dr charges me if I don't turn up.

Also it may be Tuesday but bear in mind it is Dec.

[katpaws]

I think that it is allowed. There is a Victorian restaurant that charges around $100 for a no show. Another place, Vue de Monde in Melbourne it is $150. I may not think it fair but i guess if you don't like the policy, don't go to that place.

I think tell the people that are invited the policy - if you still intend on going - and that if they don't come they will owe the group the $40 charge. If people aren't happy with that, you might need to find another venue.

[rjflc69]

It would be allowed as it's their restaurant so I guess it's a case of "my place, my rules".

I've never heard of it before though.

[rjflc69]

Since it's a Tuesday, they may be calling in staff just because of your booking? And so want to be guaranteed it's worth it. I don't think it's that weird, at least they've been upfront about it.

[Mumma_G]

This is pretty common in Brisbane. I guess they are just sick of people booking for 20 and only having 10 show up particularly when they ask for an outside table with views. Simply tell everyone of the request and if they cant make it to simply call so that the numbers on the table can be reduced.

I get that things happen but a 20 second phone call is all it takes. Sadly, I think FB and sms has made it a lot easier for people to get out of coming to things without making a call.

[rjflc69]

I've heard of this happening with number over a certain point but more they just charge a one off fee if its cancelled. But if only half the number turns up they are usually fine either way.

Think they are well within their rights. As PPs said, it's December, so lots of parties happening. At least he was upfront at booking.

I would then ask everybody to pay upfront, or the organiser could get left holding the bill.

Should they charge you? I waitressed one night where a table was booked for 20 for a work do. Only the organiser and wife turned up. A forty seat restaurant had turned down other bookings, had to pay for food and extra staff member etc.

If you were going to a game, show etc you would usually still have paid even if you didn't show up.

Their restaurant, their rules. But there is no chance I would go anywhere that did that.

If there are 8-10 of you then you will probably spend at least $400 (working on their $40 per head theory) plus tips. If they want to risk losing that money for the sake of charging an extra $40 I don't think they care about their customers so I doubt their food/service/restaurant would be very good.

A minimum spend would be a nicer way of doing the same thing.

You could always book for 8 and then add chairs if there are 10?

Or find somewhere else that is happy to serve you?

Some of the more expensive restaurants have had a credit card when booking rule for a while. They have costs even when people don't turn up and they may also be forgoing other bookings.

It may be a Tuesday but it is Christmas/end of year party season.

If it were me I'd be cancelling the booking for another restaurant! I'm pretty sure they can make up what ever rules they like, so long as they tell you upfront. There is no way in hell I'd be going to a restaurant that tried to pull that on me though!