Italian restaurant accuses couple of leaving with out paying £83 invoice after going outdoors for a smoke – as they submit picture of ‘dine and dashers’ on Facebook
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A family-run Italian restaurant has claimed a couple left without paying their £83 bill after telling staff they were going outside for a cigarette.
Belluno, an Italian restaurant in Newton St Cyres, Devon, called out the alleged culprits on Facebook with a post that contained CCTV images of the pair at the establishment.
The photos appear to show them arriving at the eatery, with the man wearing a cream Fred Perry jumper and the woman wearing a black hat and white fur coat.
Bosses at the restaurant claim the couple failed to return to their table after heading out for a smoke during their meal on January 9.
They accused the couple of ‘pretending’ to smoke, using the excuse to flee the scene and leave their £83.45 bill unpaid.
The restaurant slammed the alleged dine and dash incident as ‘just not acceptable’.
Writing in a post on Facebook on January 10, Belluno Italian Restaurant said: ‘We love being part of the friendly community here, but last night this couple come and ate at Belluno and they did a runner after pretending they were smoking.
‘We completely understand that lots of people are struggling with the cost of living, but we work really hard as a family business and stealing from anyone never mind a business is just not acceptable.
Belluno, an Italian restaurant in Newton St Cyres, Devon, called out the alleged culprits on Facebook with a post that contained CCTV images of the pair at the establishment
The photos appear to show them arriving at the eatery, with the man wearing a cream Fred Perry jumper and the woman wearing a black hat and white fur coat
‘The bill was £83.45. If anyone know these people please let us know.’
A number of people commented on the restaurant’s social media post and expressed their shock at the alleged actions of the couple.
One person said: ‘This is appalling, so many businesses are struggling. Soon we will need to pay before we eat. What is wrong with people, they don’t look hard up!’
Another said: ‘It’s called being a thief no matter what the circumstances and there are plenty of good food banks that would help them if they really can’t afford food. However if they can afford to smoke they can afford to eat!’
A third added: ‘There are no excuses for this behaviour, theft is theft, maybe if more businesses put up photos and shamed ppl, they might think twice. Someone will recognize them.’
MailOnline have approached Belluno for a comment.