Customers spark debate over if dining-and-dashing is appropriate after waiting over an hour for the bill

Service is undeniably a huge part of a person's dining experience, including how long they wait for the bill.

There's nothing worse then waiting ages for your cheque when all you want to do is be in a food coma in the comfort of your own home.

With this in mind, a pair of diners have sparked an online debate after asking when the 'appropriate' time is to 'dine and dash' if you've waited a long period of time for your bill.

You can see their video here:

The two women claim to have been waiting 45 minutes for their bill in a video shared to TikTok, where their piles of empty plates could be seen stacked up in front of them after finishing their food.

The person taking the video then proceeded to pan round the restaurant to show that it wasn't overrun with customers.

In an update posted in the comments section, the poster said that they actually ended up waiting 1.5 hours before finally getting their bill.

Now, it should be said that you should definitely pay the bill before leaving.

However, the question had hundreds of people taking to the comments section to weigh in on the matter.

TikTok/daisyku_

Someone said: "After 30-40 minutes, I'm gone, unless it's super busy, then I understand."

Another added that they 'ask twice', usually saying the second time that they 'have to leave in five minutes'.

"We gave the server our card, waited an hour, we had to go find out server with the card who told us the machine was broken and to venmo her FRIEND," a third person continued.

Elsewhere, some shared their tips on how the prevent this from happening.

One wrote: "I just start packing up and as soon as I stand they always bring me the bill. Just act like you're leaving, works every time lol."

Another TikToker suggested: "I learned from my husband years ago to ask for the bill when they deliver the food so when you’re done all they have to do is come pick up the money."

Meanwhile, one woman said she once called the restaurant from her table after her bill was taking ages to arrive.

And this isn't the first time this question has been raised; as three years ago, a Redditor argued that you should be allowed to leave without paying if your cheque hasn't come in 30 minutes.

Getty Stock Image

"If it takes over 30 minutes for you to get your bill at a restaurant after you ask for it, you should be allowed to leave with no repercussions," they wrote.

"I thought about saying 15 minutes, but I understand that things get hectic and I really do have empathy.

"But if I have asked for my bill 3-5 times, expressed urgency and still have not received it 30 minutes later, I should be allowed to leave.

"My time is valuable and if you aren’t going to respect it, I shouldn’t feel bad if you have to pay for it."

However, while it may be tempting to up and leave without paying, leaving a restaurant without settling your bill is actually a form of theft and could see you run into trouble with the law.

So, as annoying as it can be, it's best to wait it out.

Topics: TikTok, Food and Drink

Niamh Shackleton

Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

@niamhshackleton