Aussie pub introduces new fee for 'disappointing' customer habit

A popular Aussie pub has been forced to introduce a new policy after a "disruptive and disappointing" customer habit left it in the lurch over the busy holiday season.

The Parkerville Tavern — a country music venue about 45 minutes from Perth — announced last week it had recently recorded 149 no-shows, including a group of 45 people who booked five tables in the days leading up to Christmas.

"In the same week, a group of 30 and another group of 20 booked for a popular Sunday Session, and didn't show up, and on Christmas Eve, a group of 30 booked and didn't show up," the pub, which is known to locals as "the Parky", posted on Facebook.

Pub slams 'disappointing' customer habit

However, the straw that broke the camel’s back occurred on Thursday, prompting the restaurant to implement a no-show fee. "POV: it's one of your busiest days, you've had to turn people away and one of your young crew members have just bared the brunt of an angry customer being told they'll have to wait for a table — and a group of 24 don't turn up," management said.

"Not only is this disruptive and disappointing on busy days when we have to turn customers away because we think we don't have room, it also means on quiet days we may roster an unnecessary amount of staff on, expecting groups to turn up, who don't show."

Due to the "on-going problem", the Parky said it will now require card pre-authorisation from groups of nine or more.

"Nothing will be debited from your card when making the booking, but if you don't show up, or you haven't given us at least 24 hours notice that you're not coming, you will be charged a fee of $10 per head booked," the pub said online, adding the move was something the venue had been trying to avoid.

"Unfortunately we are not in a position to be able to absorb the costly consequences of groups not showing up."

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Aussies support no-show fee

No-show and cancellation fees have become common at restaurants, pubs and bars across Australia following Coronavirus lockdowns — and despite some small criticism — the Parky’s announcement was largely supported by customers who said it appeared to be the norm now.

"Absolutely backing you up on this. When large groups don't show up, and don't give you 24 hours notice, the charge per head is justified," one person wrote, while another called it a "brilliant idea". "Perfectly fair. No-shows are the worst in hospitality. It's about time they were given consequences for their rudeness, particularly with such large bookings," another person said.

Others said booking a table and simply not showing up was "the height of rudeness". The Parky later responded to thank people for their understanding.

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