There was outrage when it was suggested a waiter should pay towards the bill of diners who had done a runner. We asked readers to share their most memorable experiences of working in bars and restaurants
This weekend it emerged that the restaurant chain Wahaca asked a waiter to pay back part of a bill after his customers left without paying. Although Wahaca later decided against doing so– blaming the incident on an “internal communications issue” and amending its eat-and-run policy – it shows that service-industry workers have got it bad. The Guardian asked readers for their experiences. Here are some of the most egregious responses, which have been published anonymously at their request.
Hi @wahaca just eaten in your Kentish Town restaurant for the last time.
Ppl next to us left without paying and their server is made to foot the bill from his wages. Apparently company policy. Utterly shameful employment practice.
Food's great, company is crap.@thomasinamiers