Cheltenham restaurant owner says no-shows are "a kick in the teeth" to a struggling industry
Purslane Restaurant has seen an increase in people not showing up for reservations
The owner of a restaurant in Cheltenham says "it's a kick in the teeth" to a struggling industry when people don't show up for their reservations.
Gareth Fulford, who owns and runs Purslane Restaurant, says the impact it has is "really damaging" to his business.
The venue on Rodney Road can currently only seat up to 8 tables due to social distancing measures.
Since welcoming customers back indoors on the 17th May there have been five bookings which haven't shown up.
Gareth said: "I don't want to be overdramatic but you are like literally stealing food of my kids' table.
"For small independent, family run businesses it's difficult not to take it personally and places just can't afford to not have people show up.
"The sector is in such massive debt with bounce back loans and rent arrears, every single penny counts. We simply can't afford it and there's peoples' jobs on the line now."
Like many restaurants, Purslane request customers leave their credit card details to secure their reservation.
But this doesn't seem to be a strong enough deterrent with some people blocking their credit cards so they can't be charged a cancellation fee.
Gareth continued: "No-shows have certainly been a problem for a while but it seems to have got worse.
"I think it also seems worse because places just can't afford it. Demand is strong at the moment and we have lots of customers wanting to come but it's more gruelling when you have to turn people away and then it ends up being empty for the evening.
"All I want is for people to honour their reservation or if they can't then just pick up the phone and let us know. It's takes 30 seconds and you won't be barked at down the phone because we understand. But please just cancel it."