A Midland pub has issued an unusual “don’t visit us” message following a backlash over an alleged ‘dine and dash’ incident. The Fingerpost at Pelsall in Walsall gave a customer it claimed left without paying a deadline to settle up, warning that his picture would be posted on social media if he failed to do so.
The man was given until Friday, June 19, to do what the pub described as the “right thing.” In a social media post, The Fingerpost wrote: “On Friday evening, June 12, a customer left The Fingerpost without paying their bill. We understand you came to the bar to pay, but as staff were busy, you left the premises without payment being made. We are asking you to please do the right thing and return to settle the outstanding bill. Your face has been blurred at this stage, and we are giving you until this Friday, June 19, to contact us privately or come in and pay.”
The pub published a photo of an individual with their face blurred, but the message received a mixed reaction. One commenter said: “Came to pay – waited – got fed up and left. Maybe making a statement hopefully will come back and pay.” Another added: “If there’s one thing that makes my blood boil, it is waiting around in a slow queue.” A third posted: “This makes the pub sound like they offer poor service.” However, one supporter said: “There is no excuse for leaving without paying. Disgusting behaviour in my opinion.”
Responding to the backlash, The Fingerpost replied: “Surprised by the etiquette of some people. They think walking out because you had to wait, then proceed to walk past two servers. The same servers that took your food to your table yet some think that’s OK. If you think this is OK please don’t visit us, etiquette and respect is given and we then should receive this back. Thank you to all those that actually see this as an issue and don’t blame the staff because they are busy. Crazy.”
