STAFF at a Bewdley pub were left frustrated after scores of punters failed to turn up to their booked tables over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Lots of happy customers were out enjoying the sunshine at the Hop Pole Inn, Cleobury Road, on Sunday (May 30).
But 52 people didn't turn up for their bookings on the day, which meant the recently reopened pub had to turn away walk-in visitors and crucial weekend revenue.
The pub has now urged punters to phone them to let them know if they change their minds.
Pub owner Richard Sheasby says the inn, and many other local establishments, have been dealing with this issue since reopening.
He said: "It just puts a downer on the day. It's very frustrating to be crossing out people when all it takes is a phone call saying they are not coming.
"It does have a direct impact on the business. It gets very hard to maximise sales. It seems to be occurring more so than before.
"It's been a very testing 12 months and no pub is coming out of this unscathed. We are all feeling the same frustrations."
The pub will also look to introduce a deposit based booking system in response to the problem.
Mr Sheasby added: "It's the principle that we are going to have to adopt. I think we will be implementing that going forward."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel