A couple who dined and dashed from La Dolce Vita in East Kilbride have left the restaurant staff feeling “sickened” after using a ‘handbag trick’ to avoid paying their £68 bill. The pair enjoyed two starters and three main courses before claiming to step out for a cigarette and never returning to settle the bill. Heather Scuotto, co-owner of the family-run restaurant, expressed her outrage at the incident, describing it as pre-planned and malicious.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 20, was captured on CCTV footage showing the couple calmly standing outside the restaurant smoking a cigarette before leaving separately. The woman even left an empty handbag on the table in an attempt to trick the staff into thinking they would return. However, the bag was found to be completely empty, adding to the deception of the dine and dash couple.
Heather Scuotto expressed her disappointment in the customers’ actions, emphasising the impact it has had on the small business. She also warned other businesses in the area of the couple’s tactics, as other eateries in Lanarkshire have reportedly been targeted by the same pair. The restaurant staff have been left feeling guilty and the trust in customers has been shaken due to the incident.
This is not the first time dine and dash incidents have hit the hospitality industry in Scotland. In previous cases, restaurants have been left counting the cost as individuals or groups leave without settling their bills. The police have been notified about the incident at La Dolce Vita and are investigating the theft, with enquiries still at an early stage to apprehend the culprits.
Such incidents highlight the challenges faced by small businesses in the current economic climate, where every pound matters. The impact of dine and dash behaviour goes beyond the financial loss, affecting the trust and morale of hardworking restaurant staff. Establishments like La Dolce Vita are urging vigilance and cooperation within the industry to prevent such incidents from reoccurring and protect businesses from falling victim to such deceitful practices.