A woman has hit out at a restaurant in Australia after being charged AU$1020 as a cancelation fee after she became unwell and couldn't attend the reservation.
Going out for a birthday meal is a given these days, as you get to celebrate turning another year older with those who you cherish the most without the hassle of cooking or cleaning.
Sometimes, however, things can take an unfortunate turn and sudden illnesses and ailments can get in the way of attending such events so they need to be postponed or canceled, which seems fair, right?
Well, Lorida from Melbourne, Australia, was planning on attending Restaurant Navi for an early birthday celebration, but after suffering from back pain which she believed could be a kidney infection, she canceled her reservation with 48 hours' notice.
"Now I understand cancellation fees because I’ve worked in [hospitality] before," Lorida penned on Facebook, but she didn't quite expect to be hit with a fee of AU$1020.
Attaching the images of the email she received from the restaurant, she described it as "extortion."
Also attached to the post is an image of the menu, which features two set menus with one for $135 per person, and the other being $170 per person, the higher amount being what Lorida got charged for her six guests.
The policy 0f the restaurant states that if the booking is canceled within 48 hours then the individual will be charged the cost of the menu against how many attendees there were, but given that Lorida claims to have canceled before the cut-off point, she has been left bemused at an email from the establishment.
The email reads that the policy for cancelations of a larger party is actually five days' notice instead of the 48 hours which is stated in the terms and conditions of her booking, and the angry diner checked her bank account to see that her credit card had already been charged the full amount.
"No restaurant or business should be allowed to charge these kind of cancellation fees as an off handed thing.. it’s disgusting and not ok especially in times like this," Lorida continued.
While comparing the restaurant to the movie The Menu starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, Lorida described it as: "An out of control hospitality venue that has no customer care or duty and believes they can just do whatever they want because they serve good food."
According to 7News, the chef and owner Julian Hills has attempted to call Lorida and has offered a full refund if the table is filled, while a spokesperson claims that the table of six is a quarter of their restaurant.
The restaurant's Facebook page responded to Lorida's post, commenting: "Sorry for your frustration. We only have one table of six which is one quarter of our restaurant and being left unable to fill previously, we have added a 5 day cancellation policy to this particular table. It is detailed when booking.
"We charged the card as it was just cancelled on line with out a phone call or email, and we charge the amount that that particular booking is made for. If we fill the table which we make all efforts to do (including contacting those on our waiting list and sharing on socials) we refund.
"In the past when we have talked to people first they have blocked the card to avoid the charge. I’m a small business and can’t afford to take the hit of 1/4 of my restaurant missing without ample time to fill."
The restaurant has since clarified that bookings of five or more must give five days' cancellation notice, with groups of four or fewer having 48 hours.
Best read those terms and conditions closely when you book your next meal!