At The Star Inn in Vogue, Cornwall, a unique policy caused a stir when two customers were charged extra for leaving food on their plates.

What seemed like a typical Sunday carvery meal turned into a discussion about food waste and responsibility.

The Situation: Extra Charge for Wasted Food

Mark Graham, 62, who runs The Star Inn, faced a dilemma when two women left a substantial amount of pork, turkey, and vegetables uneaten after enjoying the pub’s all-you-can-eat carvery.

To address the waste, he added an extra £2.40 to their bill.

He explained that a clear policy, pinned on the walls of the pub, states that excessive food waste during the £12 carvery could result in a small fee to cover the cost of uneaten food.

The Landlord’s Stand: “It’s About Respect”

As both the landlord and the chef, Graham felt the need to step in when he noticed how much food was being discarded.

He explained that one of the customers mentioned she couldn’t eat everything on her plate, but Graham had seen her pile on portions equivalent to two full meals.

He remarked, “They acted like they could do whatever they wanted.”

He pointed out that his motivation wasn’t just about the cost, but the lack of respect for the food and the effort involved in preparing it.

Why the Policy? A Post-COVID Adjustment

Graham introduced this policy after the pandemic lockdown when the pub industry was struggling to get back on its feet.

He noticed a rise in food wastage during their various all-you-can-eat events, such as curry and Indian nights.

People would fill their plates to overflowing, leading to significant waste. “After COVID, the wastage was terrible. People were piling food up like it was a buffet, with no intention of finishing it.”

Long-Time Landlord With a Firm Approach

Having worked in pubs since he was 14, Graham, who has been running The Star Inn for 20 years, is known for his straightforward attitude.

He explained that it was the first time he’d ever applied the waste charge, and he made sure to check with the customers if everything was satisfactory before adding the fee.

“I’m not here to rip people off. I just want fairness – it’s a two-way street,” he stated.

His vivid description of the overflowing plates included humor, as he said, “You could’ve put a ladder on the side of their plates and planted a flag at the top!”

Food Waste: A Growing Concern

To illustrate the issue, Graham shared a photo of the plates, loaded with meat, vegetables, and roast potatoes.

He explained that while the £2.40 charge barely covered the cost of raw ingredients, it highlighted a broader problem: the disrespect of wasting food.

The pub allows customers to take as much as they like and even encourages them to return for more, but Graham’s only rule is to avoid waste.

“People come back for second helpings and then ask for a box to take the leftovers home. We don’t mind that from our regular menu because it’s priced accordingly, but the all-you-can-eat is different.”

Customer Complaint: A Social Media Debate

One of the customers, Verity Farmer, took to Facebook to express her displeasure at the unexpected charge.

Her post sparked over 400 comments, with many discussing the ethics of charging for uneaten food.

The pub responded directly, explaining that the charge was in place to ensure food would be available for all customers, especially those arriving later in the day.