SHOCKING footage shows the moment a couple appeared to leave an Indian restaurant without paying a £95 bill.
The alleged incident took place at the award winning Vadah, in Stockton on Tees, Durham, with the owners now issuing an ultimatum.
Shocking footage shows the moment a coupled allegedly fled an Indian restaurant without paying the billVadah Stockton
Vadah StocktonThe pair were seen tucking into food and multiple drinks[/caption]
Vadah StocktonThe £95 bill in full left behind[/caption]
The pair were seen tucking into lamb vindaloo and lamb shank and downed three large Cobra beers and three large glasses of rose.
But when it came to settling the bill, the man allegedly made an excuse about leaving his phone in a pub to avoid paying.
They were then seen leaving the curry house, which won Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2023.
Footage shows them talking to staff and appearing to make excuses before gesturing outside.
The pair then left after the man was seen writing something down at the bar.
Bosses from Vadah gave the man and woman 24 hours to settle the bill or they would post CCTV of their faces.
In a post on Facebook, Vadah said: “The gentleman’s claim of a lost phone at a pub led to quite the theatrical moment, complete with a sprinkle of sass and a dash of threats.
“We’re all human, and yes, off days happen, but treating staff with respect would be a good start.
“Here’s an idea: Give us a shout and square up your bill within 24 hours.
“If not, those blurred faces might just get a little less blurry and we’ll be chatting with the police about your little escapade. We believe in second chances… but not free meals.”
But when the duo allegedly failed to pay, the restaurant posted clearer pictures of their faces.
In a second post they said that the appeal “isn’t just about the money“.
The restaurant owners said that the issue wasi about showing respect “to our hardworking team and our business“.
The new statement continued: “These two individuals may have pulled this stunt before, so we’re also warning other local businesses to be on guard and not let them dine without paying. We will now be passing their details to the police.
“If you recognise yourselves (and we’re certain you will), now is the time to come forward before this escalates further.”
A source told The Sun that the couple “didn’t raise any complaints or fuss” about the food or drinks during their visit.
The source continued: “The problem arose only after presenting the bill, when the man started making excuses – notably claiming he had left his phone at a nearby pub to avoid paying.
“He attempted to write down his details and leave without settling the bill, but when a colleague suggested that one of them could stay behind while the other retrieved the phone, he quickly became abusive and confrontational.
“When we mentioned that we would have to involve the police if the bill wasn’t paid, he responded with a very aggressive remark, essentially telling us to “Call the f***ing police” because he didn’t care. He then proceeded to shout at the staff and leave without paying.
“It was clear he was just looking for an excuse not to pay and wanted to intimidate the staff.
“We chose not to engage with his aggression but instead offered them a chance to do the right thing by initially blurring their faces in our social media post as a way to encourage them to settle the bill quietly.
“After receiving no response, we shared their clear images publicly to alert others.
“We have not yet involved the police, hoping they would make amends voluntarily.
“However, details have started emerging on social media, including comments from another local business identifying the couple and saying they owe money there as well.
“This suggests they might be repeat offenders. Given this new information, we are now preparing to notify the authorities.”
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