A diner who allegedly left a pub without paying for their food later returned to settle the bill after being shamed online, the landlord claims.
Mark Robbie posted on social media about the dine and dash incident in which three people failed to pay for their Sunday roasts at the Butchers Arms in Audley, Staffordshire.
However, he has since said one of the customers returned and paid the outstanding £35 after the public backlash.
Mark - who has run the pub since June 2019 - said other landlords have contacted him to say it is becoming a growing issue for them too.
The incident at the Butchers Arms was reported to police, which has a list of preventative measures to try to guard against customers leaving without paying on its website.
Mark told StokeonTrentLive: "One of them paid the bill for everybody.
"They paid their dues, that's the end of that. StokeonTrentLive's story went nationwide. It is an issue that is not just local to Stoke.
"I have been contacted by people in Whitby, Devon, Cornwall and all over the country. It makes you think, why is everyone doing it. The cost of living crisis? If you can't afford it, don't go out. It's as simple as that."
Prevention tips on the Staffordshire Police website include ensuring the eatery has as few exit points as possible.
The force advises any outside smoking area, especially on the street, is patrolled by staff, especially if all members of the dining party are outside.
Officers also talk about the importance of good surveillance of outside spaces from inside the building and of having CCTV.
The advice continues: "If a party of diners arrives without having made a booking, it’s best to ask for a credit card before seating the group – particularly large parties.
"Remember, there’s only so much you can do to establish the identity of customers, and there’s nothing to stop them giving false information.
"However, by following the tips listed above, you’ll be far better equipped to prevent people making off without paying.
"In the event of an incident, call police as quickly as possible – we do not recommend taking matters into your own hands."
