A recent post on Facebook from our very own JP McMahon of Aniar Restaurant and Eat  highlighted the damage no-shows can do to the restaurant trade.  Group bookings are particularly damaging – since several tables sit idle in the wait for people to arrive – while the restaurant turns away other willing custom in the process.  It is difficult to understand the mindset of those who book tables,  then don’t have the courtesy to cancel if plans change.  It is almost as if it is of absolutely no consequence that the kitchen has factored in this business for the night,  especially for a party,  and made preparations accordingly to serve its customers to the best of it’s ability.   If we put this issue into another leisure activity context –  is it possible  to book  individual or group seats, at a theatre or concert venue,  without full payment in advance?  The answer is a resounding NO.  Restaurants are not any different in the scale of social activities, in that they rely on  pre-booked custom.  Which begs the question,  are credit card bookings now the only way  to secure tables and counteract the inconsiderate behaviour of those who do not turn up. The days of credit card table booking may well be coming –  very soon.  Let us know your thoughts…