Murcia restaurants take steps to prevent no-shows and last-minute cancellations

Restaurants are introducing deposits and fees to encourage customers to let them know if their plans change

For restaurants, especially small local restaurants, a no-show or even a last-minute cancellation can be much more than an empty table. Staff have already been scheduled, ingredients bought and prepared, and dishes portioned. When a booking is missed at the last minute or worse than that, they just don’t show up, it can mean wasted food and lost income.

To reduce the impact, more restaurants across the Region of Murcia are asking for reservation deposits or fees. Some charge a fixed amount that is later deducted from the bill, while others take a small percentage based on the menu booked. Some even hold card details and make it clear that a fee will be charged if the customer does not show. Some restaurants joke about keeping a ‘black book’ with a record of no-show clients or those who regularly cancel at the last minute!

The effect of no-shows really impacts these restaurants, especially during busy times like Christmas. A small restaurant operating near full capacity can be heavily affected if even one or two tables fail to appear. Many small-town restaurants rely on the busy seasons to get them through the quieter times throughout the year. For businesses that work on tight margins, this can reduce the evening’s profit significantly.

Many restaurants are now turning to social media to reach out to customers, asking them to give them a heads up if their plans change. Even a simple message can make a big difference, allowing them to adjust staff schedules, reduce food waste, or offer the table to another diner.

Some people make a reservation ‘just in case’ they may want it, but last-minute cancellations can cause real problems for small restaurants. Deposits and reservation fees are not meant to punish anyone, they are just there to encourage customers to let the restaurant know if their plans change. At the end of the day, it comes down to having a bit of common decency. If it happens too often, particularly in smaller towns, your favourite local restaurant might not make it to next summer.

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