The problem is a big one for some restaurants in Australia. "The no-shows are a killer," Chris Handel, the general manager at one restaurant in Melbourne, told Good Food. "If a party can't make their booking, someone needs to let us know because we can fill that spot."
So far, restaurants across the country have this fear, as well. One in Washington D.C. set up a ticketing system that allows customers to set and spend a certain amount. This way they can tell how much food they will need and how much profit they will make each night. The restaurant, called Seven Reasons, has already seen one party not show up after booking a ticket, according to the Washingtonian.
Letting a restaurant know you want to dine in by making a reservation also gives them your contact information. In case there is a problem like if an outbreak is traced to them, they can contact you.
Being respectful at restaurants by wearing a mask, staying away from other customers, and honoring your plans to dine in takes what could be a stressful situation and makes sure everyone is safe.
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