A pub and grub style restaurant at an historic hotel in Port Elizabeth has taken to social media to issue a “pay up or else” ultimatum to customers who walked out without settling their tab.
Calling them “bilkers” and “runners”‚ the well-known Stage Door restaurant at the Phoenix Hotel yesterday posted this warning to its errant patrons on Facebook:
“The 5 People who sat at the 1st high table in the restaurant last night and walked out without paying your bill NOTE — you have until 6pm tomorrow Monday 8th to come in and pay. Failing which a charge of bilking will be laid with the SA Police Services and once done your photographs from the CCTV will be published. You said you did not want your photograph taken for FB? Is this the reason — did you think you could BILK????” (sic).
No one had come forward by lunchtime on Monday‚ according to a duty manager at the restaurant.
The restaurant is R700 out of pocket from the errant table of four – three males and a woman.
Under South African law‚ a case of fraud can be opened against people who fail to pay their hotel or restaurant charges. The guest may also be sued by the establishment for payment of the bill.
Manager Nicholas Ofsowitz‚ who cautioned other establishments in the city to be on the alert for these “chancers”‚ said he viewed their conduct as theft. However‚ he would not let the experience sour his attitude towards patrons.
“I firmly believe in the goodness of man and we’ve got some of the nicest customers in the city. It’s sad that one or two people tarnish that. But we’ve had fantastic support over many years. I don’t want to be cynical.”
The Phoenix‚ established in 1837‚ is one of the oldest operating hotels in the Eastern Cape.
Restaurant shames customers who walked out without paying
A pub and grub style restaurant at an historic hotel in Port Elizabeth has taken to social media to issue a “pay up or else” ultimatum to customers who walked out without settling their tab.
Calling them “bilkers” and “runners”‚ the well-known Stage Door restaurant at the Phoenix Hotel yesterday posted this warning to its errant patrons on Facebook:
“The 5 People who sat at the 1st high table in the restaurant last night and walked out without paying your bill NOTE — you have until 6pm tomorrow Monday 8th to come in and pay. Failing which a charge of bilking will be laid with the SA Police Services and once done your photographs from the CCTV will be published. You said you did not want your photograph taken for FB? Is this the reason — did you think you could BILK????” (sic).
No one had come forward by lunchtime on Monday‚ according to a duty manager at the restaurant.
The restaurant is R700 out of pocket from the errant table of four – three males and a woman.
Under South African law‚ a case of fraud can be opened against people who fail to pay their hotel or restaurant charges. The guest may also be sued by the establishment for payment of the bill.
Manager Nicholas Ofsowitz‚ who cautioned other establishments in the city to be on the alert for these “chancers”‚ said he viewed their conduct as theft. However‚ he would not let the experience sour his attitude towards patrons.
“I firmly believe in the goodness of man and we’ve got some of the nicest customers in the city. It’s sad that one or two people tarnish that. But we’ve had fantastic support over many years. I don’t want to be cynical.”
The Phoenix‚ established in 1837‚ is one of the oldest operating hotels in the Eastern Cape.
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