My friend walked out on the bill at a bar I'M a regular at! What should I do?

Question

I took a good friend of mine to a pub that I've been frequenting lately and last night, I left early, having to catch a bus home. We were both on the understanding that my friend would cover this one, and I ran. Well, he called me later that night to let me know he had taken a phone call outside and never remembered to go back in to pay! I know it wasn't done maliciously, but now what do I do? I like the place and want to go back, but should I talk to the bartender? Pretend it didn't happen? Overtip? The bartender has always been great to me, and no one likes an angry bartender - HELP!

Answer 1

Either you go back and pay, or get your friend to do it. If they know you, it shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 2

Go and pay the bill and apologize to the bartender and explain the situation, Give the bartender a nice tip also and have your friend reimburse you.

Answer 3

Go back and make it right. Won't you feel bad going back in there? Bartenders work hard for their money just like you do.

Karma!!!!

Answer 4

Just go back and just have your friend  pay the tab. Apologize and tell them it was an honest mistake.  If they don't understand don't go back.

Answer 5

I agree with everyone. You should definitely go ASAP and pay the bill and explain the situation. If they don't understand or start to act out or angry haul it out of there ASAP! You don't want a nasty scene or the police to become involved.

Answer 6

go back and pay it.

Answer 7

Honesty is the best answer. Just go in and explain what happened and pay the tab. I'm sure this isn't the first time they had something like this happen they should understand. This remands me of a sign they had behind the bar at a place I used to go "if you are drinking to forget please pay in advance"

Answer 8

Your explanation sounds reasonable, why not try giving the same explanation to the pub.  Pay today and ease your conscience, not to mention you actually look responsible and it improves your reputation as a stand-up person by correcting an error.

I see paying it today as a win-win situation!!

Answer 9

my friend did that to. I went back the next day and apologized for the over site payed the bill plus a big  tip and then never left that friend in charge ever again.

Answer 10

what goes around comes around...

Answer 11

Obviously, the bill needs to be paid. In a lot of places, the bartender is resonsible for paying the tab, PLUS he didn't get a tip. Call and explain the situation in all honesty. Then either you or your friend needs to go there and pay ASAP, and leave a big tip. I would say about 50% of the tab.

If you do this, and you do it soon, you will again be in good graces with the pub and bartender. If not however, trust me, you will be remembered. You will either be embarrassed when you go in next time when the bartender says something to you, or you will get horrible service.

Answer 12

Your friend  should go and pay the tab,today!.and leave a BIG tip...............

Where I live, you leave money on the bar........the bartender takes the money each drink.......If you go to a place where you can't leave bucks on the bar..your at the wrong place..........