Buzz
Imagine you're dining alone at a restaurant and realize you can’t settle the bill—perhaps your only card got declined or maybe you simply forgot your wallet. In these modern times, services like Apple Pay or Venmo may come to your rescue, saving you from an awkward moment with your server. But let’s imagine, for the sake of this discussion, that you left your phone at home and are truly unable to pay.
Will you be stuck scrubbing dishes for hours, trying to work off your debt?
Probably not. As Lifehacker explains, the FDA prohibits allowing ‘unnecessary persons’ in the kitchen. Even if there were no such rule, teaching you how to wash dishes and the potential risk of injury would be much more hassle than it’s worth.
What happens next depends entirely on the restaurant and your specific situation. In many cases, the staff will allow you to leave with the understanding that you'll pay when you're able to. As Terryl Gavre, owner of San Diego’s Cafe 222, shared with Eat This, Not That!, she often writes I.O.U.s for customers who can’t pay right away, and almost all of them return to settle their debts. Some establishments have even had customers call later with credit card details to complete the payment over the phone.
In some instances, restaurants may ask for collateral, such as your phone or ID, to ensure you come back to pay. Some places might contact law enforcement to document your details before you leave. However, as long as you return with valid payment within a reasonable timeframe, you likely won’t face any charges. Intentional dining and dashing, however, can lead to legal consequences depending on local laws. But if it’s an honest mistake, the restaurant will likely work with you to resolve the issue without involving legal action.
