The decision of a three-starred German chef Christian Bau has caused discussion in recent days to require the customer, at the time of booking, online only, to make a credit card deposit of a sum of 250 euros, to be applied in the case of in which the customer himself does not show up to consume the reserved meal. It also provided that any cancellation of the booking does not entail any costs for the customer if made within the previous five working days, with the amount being charged to the credit card if made after this deadline.
Beyond the specific case, in general it can be stated that booking the restaurant service, unless otherwise agreed, does not involve costs for the customer. This means that the so-called no show or failure and/or timely cancellation does not result in any cost to you. However, if the restaurateur, at the time of booking, provides, with the express and written consent of the customer, specific charges in the event of a no show or omitted or late cancellation, the customer who undertakes this conduct will have to pay them.
Thus, for example, in the case of online booking in the presence of a penalty clause - which must be explicitly accepted by the customer by "ticking" a box with which the contractual conditions are accepted - or by charging on a credit card. However, correctness and respect for the work of others as canons by which the customer's behavior should be inspired.
Author: Alessandro Klun
(@acenacondiritto)