In a restaurant in the Italian city of Bari, which looked like a simple moment of relaxation became an unusual episode. Three clients rose from the table after a meal filled with delicacies of the sea and came out of space calmly. Everything indicated that they had gone to smoke a cigarette or make a call, but the reality was different. This episode has made the alarms sound for similar episodes in restoration in Italy.
Luxury seafood, 400 euros account and a forgotten bag
According to the Spanish newspaper, the meal they had just consumed included luxury shellfish, such as oysters and ora, and totaled 400 euros. However, instead of returning to dessert, the three disappeared. The only indication that left behind was a suitcase pantoice on the table, apparently forgotten.
Scheme is already known by other restaurants
According to reports from Al Cortigiano restaurant, this is not an unprecedented situation in the area. Other establishments had already warned of the same scheme: leave an empty bag as distraction and thus deceive employees while customers escape themselves discreetly.
Video surveillance images identify the trio
Security chambers images allowed us to identify the faces of the protagonists of this episode. They were two men and a woman, who had entered into a relaxed way and made the request without lifting suspicions. “They ate in our house and asked for shrimps, oysters and other exquisite fish,” said one responsible for the newspaper The Corriere del Mezzogiorno.
Behavior did not raise suspicions during the meal
According to the employees, the three suspects interrupted dinner several times to smoke, which made it look like a usual behavior. “In fact, they didn’t get out immediately and so we didn’t suspect. Many times, customers take breaks to go to the street,” they added.
Restaurant owner launches warning to colleagues
The complaint was shared between owners of restaurants in the region and also from other Italian cities. The tactic of the “forgotten bag” has been increasingly referred to in professional groups on social networks as a new trick to escape the account.
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IRONIC APPEAL BUT DIRECT TO BURLONS
The same source states that, with the arrival of Easter and the increase of customers, the restaurant involved in the case has left a direct appeal to the burns: “As we are still in time and we are in time, they can pay your bill. We do not deny anyone the right to eat spaghetti, but such an account has to be paid.”
Bag as an effective distraction element
The message, although loaded with irony, also intends to alert other restaurants to be aware. The bag left behind, apparently innocent, has been used to deceive employees and distract from the definitive exit of the diners.
Financial impact on small businesses
The economic impact of these escapes is significant, especially for family establishments where each meal counts. A seafood meal can represent the equivalent of several other simpler sales throughout the day.
Shared images among restoration professionals
Local authorities have not yet been involved, but the sharing of images and details in restoration groups is allowing to trace the pattern of action of this trio. Public pressure may be a first step in determining new attempts.
A problem that also happens in Portugal
Although the case has occurred in Italy, the situation is familiar to many restoration professionals in Portugal. Customer stories that run away without paying are not unpublished, but the degree of planning raises concerns.
Hope of a return with payment
According to the same source, the responsible of the Al Cortigiano restaurant expect the protagonists of the case to return, not only to pay off debt, but to preserve the reputation of a space that is proud of hospitality. “Such an account doesn’t forget,” they stressed.
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