What happens if you realize after finishing your food at a restaurant that you cannot pay the check?

Question

In movies it is commonly seen that these unfortunate individuals are forced to wash the dishes as a form of payment, but my mother said that is only a Hollywood thing and that it doesn't really happen that way. However, she doesn't know what really happens, and I am not too eager to try it out for myself. :P

Answer 1

An owner can't have them wash dishes, you're right.  It's the liability.  I always took their keys or drivers license while they went to the ATM.  That way I had their ID in case they never showed up.  Stuff happens, but I covered my butt.

Answer 2

As someone else stated, a manager will take some sort of collateral while you get the money to pay. They will also take down your personal info in case you don't come back. If that happens, they will call the police. That is the same thing as shoplifting!! Also, remember that if you walk out on a check, in many cases the server has to pay. So not only does that server not make a tip, they wasted their time and then had to pay for your meal! I guess if you're scummy enough to walk out on your tab, that wouldn't really bother you, though.

Answer 3

This awnser will proberly get a lot of disagrees but I remember when some celebs went to dine out on TV,

They did not have much money so in the end the man had to clean the dishes 4 a wage to pay him...

It would probly not be this way, this is just a suggestion.

Answer 4

tell them you will be back to pay but hurry before the cops arrive.

Answer 5

ask to speak to the manager and work something out.

Answer 6

you go to the toilet, relieve yourself, then wash your hands.

and walk out of the resteraunt, nice and slow, like you've just paid for a pleasant meal.

Answer 7

i believe they will call the police and have you arrested..  unless you are a regular customer in which case they may allow you to come back another day to pay..

Answer 8

Hahahaha,good question.

I've never been in this situation myself,but if i ever was,i think i'd try and sneak out when no one was looking.

Or just be honest,and give them my phone number and address and tell them i'd be back later with the cash or something.

Answer 9

hmm i dont know

Answer 10

umm i wouldnt put myself in that type of situation nor have i ever walked out on a check. so i would try to find a means to pay otherwise they call the cops on you. if you cant afford to dine out you should prob grab a meal over a relatives house. save some $

Answer 11

Don't go out to eat if you don't have the money..

Maybe checking the bank account first would help here..

Answer 12

First off, you should know if you don't have enough money to go out to eat or not.

Never dine and ditch.

I would just talk to the manager about it, they would probably ask to hold on to something valuable to you, your name, your address, etc. so they know you will return to pay the bill.

Answer 13

if u dont have the money to go eat out....dont go!!!

Answer 14

idk seems like something that would happen to me X_X

uhm.. i would prolly go call a friend or something to pay for me first =]

Answer 15

You will be arrested for defrauding an innkeeper.Seriously. No dine & dash except in the movies.