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by Sherilane on February 24th, 2007

Sherilane

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I walked out on my bill & need to know my rights. My server went postal when I refused to eat an item I did not order. She would not except fair payment for what I did order & attacked my car when I left. I was so upset that I threw-up: must I pay?

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Answers. 7 helpful answers below.

  • by Jessicax23 on February 24th, 2007

    Jessicax23

    You should have dealt with the manager. When you walk out on a bill, the server is sometimes expected (albeit unlawfully) to pay the amount owed. Always talk directly to the manager when you have a problem. Your server doesn't have the authority to "not accept fair payment." A manager should have made the determination, and it would almost always fall to what you felt was fair. Not talking to the manager could be construed as a sign that you weren't acting in good faith.

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  • by DownOnMyLuck on February 24th, 2007

    DownOnMyLuck

    You should not pay; she should let you eat the meal that was given to you, free of charge, and make you a new one. You should refuse to pay until you are satisfied; the customer is always right. And she attacked your car? That's weird. Get her fired.

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  • by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on March 4th, 2007

    P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines

    No, you don't have to pay for something you didn't order. At most restaurants when they screw the pooch you get your meal for free. You need to send her a bill for the damage she did to your car and fill out a polic report so that you can take her to court if she won't pay. You did nothing criminal, she did.

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  • by Anonymous on July 26th, 2007

    Anonymous

    This is an interesting example of the line between a civil breach of contract and criminal larceny. If you simply walked out and refused to pay anything after eating the meal, you have committed a theft and could be arrested for what you did. On the other hand, if you did not eat the meal and refused to pay because it is not what you ordered, then this is a simple civil contract dispute. The same is true if you eat the meal and then pay less then the full amount because you feel that you were overcharged.

    A cop will only arrest you if it is clear that your intent was to get a free meal.

    As for the attacking the car, you do have the right to sue to recover for any damages that may have occurred.

    But FYI: Most restuarants have a policy that if you are not happy with your dining experience, then your meal should be comp'd and you should be given a coupon for a free meal so that you can come back and have a better dining experience. I think this policy is ridicules (i.e. promotes abuse), but I have heard it from many friends who worked as waiters in college. So if you have a problem, always ask to speak to a manager.

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  • by Anonymous on March 4th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Remind me to never eat at this location.

    The server must have been desperate for money as in a big tip.

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  • by DavidHume on February 25th, 2007

    DavidHume

    Wite a letter to the restaurant enclosing an estimate for the damage to your car. Explain that if it is not paid by return it will become a legal matter.

    I don't know where you live but there are many useful websites where you can rate restaurants. If you do not get satisfaction, have lots of fun writing a truthful account of your customer experience there. It is cheaper than legal fees, and a lot more satisfying.

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  • by Sherilane on February 25th, 2007

    Sherilane

    This "waitress" was the owner of the restaurant. And she was screaming at me and throwing her arms all about: I was scared! I asked the question to know the law and did call the police & found out that this is a civil matter and the police said that I was well within my rights to exit a dangerous situation!

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You're reading I walked out on my bill & need to know my rights. My server went postal when I refused to eat an item I did not order. She would not except fair payment for what I did order & attacked my car when I left. I was so upset that I threw-up: must I pay?

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