Family locked in restaurant for not paying the tip!, Right thing to do or was it kidnapping? A POLL! Options

[wingsovernc]

I find this story so intriguing that I'm dying to see other's opinions on it. In the news
this morning:

A family of 6 were locked inside a Houston, TX seafood restaurant for refusing
to pay the 17% gratuity. It is plainly stated on the menu that for parties of
5 or over, an automatic gratuity of 17% will be added to the total bill. The
diners, however, stated that the service had been less than satisfactory
and wanted to leave their own idea of a fair tip. The restaurant (La Fisherman),
refused, the doors were locked by the staff, and the police were called.
The diners eventually paid the gratuity and were allowed to leave. Among
their complaints about the service were that the staff was rude, their drinks
weren't refilled, and mistakes were made on their order.


My own opinion is.....my Lord, kidnapping is now going to be a part of the
dining experience? I am all for giving fair and even more than fair tips for
good service and will even leave more than the recommended amount for
service that leaves me disappointed but locking them in? What about the
other diners, were they allowed to leave while this was going on? I believe
the restaurant went too far and should have just barred them from ever
eating there again. But I'm sure others will feel differently.

[mmi16]

I know many eating places try this tact, however, I have never seen it pulled on party's as small as 5 - most normally I see it applied to parties of 8 or more (which cause the place to put multiple tables together to seat the party).

17% sounds high for a 'mandated' tip - I mostly see 15% when it is stated.


From the actions identified in the story - it sound like there was a whole lot of acrimony taking place during the 'meal' and both sides decided to 'mark their territory'. Childish behavior on both sides!

[harum-scarum]

I agree with mm16, both parties acted way immature.

The restaurant had the right to call the police, but not to hold the customers like that. The people were willing to pay, it's not as if they were trying to get a free meal. Also the mandatory gratuity for a party of 5 is a little ridiculous.

This post has been edited by harum-scarum: May 3 2012, 12:19 PM

[Maw]

I believe in abiding by the rules. I tend to read fine print (and I realize that gets on people's last nerves) and if I don't agree with what I read as a company's policy (even a restaurant), I take my business elsewhere.

While I believe this policy is truly absurd, it is their policy. If you want an exception to a rule, then ask before engaging. I understand the family's view, but they chose to go to this place to eat so the rule is the rule.

Regarding locking them in the restaurant, I believe that is most likely against the law. This isn't the old west. The manager should have gotten their license plate after they left and contacted the police - that simple.

I believe there are some important issues in this story that have been left out. Seems like both sides were very hostile towards each other. There are typically 3 sides to every story: Side 1; Side 2; and the Truth.

This post has been edited by Maw: May 3 2012, 12:53 PM

[john72ss]

there was a reason they left no tip! now they can sue the resturant! food and service must have been great there!