Diners leave a hefty bill
Latitude 32 was left with a $200-plus unpaid bill last week after a couple dined out on oysters and prawns before walking out of the restaurant without paying.
Proprietor Marc Kenly was disappointed by the action but said while it was not a huge amount, it was unfair to make future patrons foot their bill.
"It was surprising because we have been in business for a year and this is the first time it has happened," he said.
Mr Kenly said the patrons were a woman and man in their late 30s with a pram.
They ordered two cocktails, four beers, a tequila shot, bruschetta and 12 natural oysters as starters, followed by chicken and ribs and steak and prawn as mains, at a total of $211.
Mr Kenly said the woman left with the baby, which staff thought nothing of because she may have gone to get something for the child from the car, which often happened.
However, when the waiter was occupied with other duties the man took the opportunity to leave without paying.
In a separate but similar incident in February, a couple who skipped out on a $230 bill at a Bunbury restaurant were sacked by their Manjimup employer after he discovered what they had done.
The couple eventually returned to the restaurant and paid for their meal after being shamed on social media.
Mr Kenly said his ultimate goal was to encourage the patrons to return and pay their outstanding bill.
"It's the principle of the thing," Mr Kenly said.
Rockingham police Senior Sergeant Stuart Mearns said officers were conducting enquiries.
