What Do You Do If A Restaurant Customer Won’t Leave?

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What do you do if a restaurant customer won’t leave? This is a question that all restaurateurs eventually face at one time or another. It can be a difficult situation to deal with, but there are several steps that you can take to get the customer to leave. In this post, we’ll explore what those steps are and provide some tips for handling the situation. Read on to learn more!

Ask Them To Leave

: The first step in dealing with a customer who won’t leave is to ask them politely and firmly to do so. Explain that the restaurant needs to close for the night, or that you have other customers waiting, and kindly request that they leave. It’s possible that the customer may not be aware of closing times or other guests, so this can be an effective way to get them to go.

Get Help From Management

: If asking politely doesn’t work, you may need to seek help from management. Explain the situation and ask for their assistance in getting the customer out of the restaurant. They may be able to provide additional support or use persuasive language more effectively than you can.

Escort Them Out

: In some cases, you may need to physically escort the customer out of the restaurant, either with help from management or security. If this is necessary, be sure to do so in a polite and respectful manner.

Conclusion

: Dealing with a customer that won’t leave can be a stressful situation for restaurateurs. However, it’s important to remember that there are steps you can take to handle the situation properly. Ask them politely and firmly to leave, get assistance from management if needed, and escort them out if all else fails.

 

 

Related FAQs

Generally speaking, it is best to ask customers to leave shortly before closing time. This gives them enough time to finish their meal and pay the bill without feeling rushed. It also allows you enough time to prepare for the next day’s business. If there are other customers waiting or if the restaurant has reached maximum capacity, then it may be prudent to ask an individual or group of customers to leave earlier than usual.
If a customer refuses to leave despite being asked politely, you should try getting help from management or security. Explain the situation and seek their assistance in getting the customer out of the restaurant.
Politely asking a customer to leave should be done in an understanding and respectful tone. Explain that the restaurant needs to close for the night, or that you have other customers waiting, and kindly request that they leave. Let them know it is nothing personal and thank them for visiting your establishment.
If a customer becomes aggressive after being asked to leave, it is important not to engage in any physical altercation. Remain calm and call for help from management or security as necessary. It is best not to confront the customer directly, as this could get out of hand quickly.
Depending on your jurisdiction, calling the police may be an appropriate last resort. However, it is generally advised to seek assistance from management or security first before escalating it to law enforcement.
One way to prevent customers from overstaying their welcome is to politely remind them at regular intervals that closing time is approaching. You can do this by bringing the bill earlier than usual and letting them know when closing time is near. This will help manage expectations and ensure that customers do not stay too long.
If a customer refuses to pay the bill, politely remind them of the amount due and explain that payment is necessary for them to leave. If they still refuse, contact management or security for assistance. It is illegal not to pay for goods and services received in many jurisdictions.
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be able to charge a fee for customers who stay past closing time without prior notification. However, it’s best practice to simply ask them to leave once closing time has come.
No, it is not appropriate to threaten customers with legal action if they refuse to leave. Politely explain the situation and ask them to leave in a respectful manner. If necessary, contact management or security for assistance.
If a customer still refuses to leave after being asked multiple times, you should call for assistance from management or security. Escorting them out of the restaurant may be necessary in this case – again, doing so politely and respectfully is key.    

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