Diners’ Daring Dash: Group of 15 Leaves Brighton Restaurant Without Paying £200 Bill
In a surprising turn of events captured on CCTV footage, a group of 15 diners walked out of a bustling fish and chips restaurant in Brighton without settling their £200 bill for food and drinks.
The incident unfolded at around 12 pm on August 8, leaving the restaurant owners both shocked and disappointed.
The Scene at Captain’s Restaurant
The dine-and-dash incident occurred at Captain’s Restaurant, an independent establishment that has graced Brighton Beach since 1990. As the video reveals, the diners requested their bill, inspected it, and then opted to depart without making payment.
The owners of the restaurant have since taken the matter to the police and are urging the diners to return and promptly clear their outstanding bill.
A Costly Bill and a Disheartening Departure
Describing the situation, the owners explained that the group of 15 patrons had ordered over £200 worth of food and drinks. However, after receiving the bill, they collectively made the decision to exit the premises without paying.
This unexpected turn of events left the restaurant staff dismayed, especially given their reputation as the best fish and chips spot in Brighton, as recognized by TripAdvisor and Google reviews.
CCTV Footage of the Daring Dash
The CCTV footage vividly captures the moments leading up to the dine-and-dash.
The open bill can be seen placed directly in front of two of the diners, surrounded by the remnants of their meals and empty beer bottles.
As the woman in the striped top rises from her seat, the remaining group members hastily gather their belongings and make a swift exit alongside her.
Rising Trend in “Dine-and-Dash” Incidents
The restaurant owners believe that this incident is an isolated occurrence, as most patrons are typically trustworthy when it comes to settling their bills.
However, Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has noted a recent surge in such “outrageous” dine-and-dash offenses.
She expressed concern about the growing trend and emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. Jones urged people to share images and information online to help identify and discourage dine-and-dash perpetrators.
Dine-and-Dash Statistics
According to Home Office figures, the Metropolitan Police recorded 12,610 incidents of “making off without paying” offenses in 2018, shedding light on the extent of this problem.
A 2018 study by Barclaycard found that one in 20 people had walked out of a restaurant without paying for their meal, with the wait for the bill identified as a significant frustration for diners.
The incident at Captain’s Restaurant serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by restaurant owners, especially during times when businesses strive to remain afloat, and individuals struggle to manage their expenses.
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