Q129: Someone has run off without paying for a meal in my restaurant

This may be an offence of making off without payment (also known in some areas as 'bilking') and can be reported to the police

The offence is committed when knowing that payment for any goods supplied to you or service done for you is due to be paid at that time, you then dishonestly leave without paying as required or expected and with intent to avoid payment of the amount due.

Examples:

◾filling a car up with petrol, failing to pay for it and driving off from the petrol forecourt;

◾eating a meal in a restaurant and intentionally leaving without paying for it.

This offence is a type of theft and a conviction could lead to imprisonment and/or a fine.