"Le Café Ardennais" in Dinant became the scene of an impudent act this week, when two patrons dined, dashed, and left a €150 tab unpaid.
According to Sudinfo, owner Freddy Lejeune, who assumed control of "Le Café Ardennais" on Avenue Franchet d'Esperey, Dinant in 2015, has experienced this phenomenen before. "I've encountered three such incidents in eight years, fewer than some colleagues," he shared. But his count increased on Thursday.
A blatant act
Two young men in their twenties entered the restaurant in casual attire. They dined on scampi, meatballs, steak, and enjoyed a €40 bottle of red wine. "They certainly indulged themselves," Lejeune remarked, noting their discourteous behavior towards the staff.
Post-meal, they made their move. Using a smoke break as a pretext, they vanished without paying their €150 bill - a tactic often employed by 'dine-and-dashers.' "It's a tough business..." Lejeune lamented.
Unwilling to involve the police, Lejeune opted not to lodge a formal complaint. According to Sudinfo however, this might have been unwise. In 2022, Charleroi saw 19 bill dodging complaints, with nine related to food and drink. "All suspects were identified," revealed police spokesperson David Quinaux.
Lejeune instead chose public shaming. A photo of the culprits was posted on his restaurant's Facebook page, unblurred faces clearly visible.
However, such action is illegal, cautioned Marie Roquiny, spokesperson for the Namur prosecutor's office. The penalty ranges from a €250 to €20,000 fine, and one month to two years' imprisonment.
"Even if I must pay a fine, it's important my colleagues can recognize them," Lejeune defiantly concluded.
Bill dodging complaints has seen an increase in Belgium in recent years, from 702 in 2019, to 277 in 2021, and 281 in just the first half of 2022.
