A Banbury-based Italian eatery has taken to social media to address the issue of customers departing without settling their bills.
3 Flavours, located on Bar Street in Oxfordshire, publicly highlighted an incident involving a family of three who allegedly left the establishment without paying their bill.
According to the restaurant’s online post, the group departed in haste and were observed fleeing the premises.
The establishment has since urged the family to make contact before any further action is taken, while also appealing to the public for any information regarding the incident.
The restaurant’s social media appeal comes as no surprise given the venue’s recent troubles.
In August, the establishment fell victim to vandalism when two individuals smashed windows at the premises.
The attack resulted in substantial financial damage alongside considerable distress for the business owners.
The problem appears to extend beyond a single establishment in the area.
Harrisons Fish and Chips, an award-winning chip shop situated on Elms Parade in Botley, has also taken to social media to raise awareness about criminal activity targeting hospitality businesses.
The fish and chip shop reported the theft of a drum of waste cooking oil from outside their premises.
A representative for the business noted that the incident was not an isolated occurrence, explaining that previous thefts had necessitated storing waste oil inside the shop during overnight hours to deter further losses.
Research published by the BBC indicates that incidents of customers leaving restaurants without payment are increasing throughout the United Kingdom.
Data suggests approximately one third of hospitality businesses have experienced such thefts.