02/06/2026
😲Investigations are underway in Clare after a group left a local restaurant without settling their bill😲
Ennistymon Gardaí are now looking into this fraud, which occurred on Tuesday, May 26 at 10pm in a Lahinch food premises.
According to gardaí, a group of people came in and ate a meal. When it was time to pay, one member of the group stated there were nuts in the meal and that he was allergic.
From here, an argument ensued between the group and the proprietor. They then walked out of the restaurant without paying.
Authorities say this type of fraud inflicts “severe financial damage” and “emotional stress” on both restaurant staff and business owners.
Gardaí encouraged restaurant owners to look into the following so they do not fall victim to this fraud:
-Implementing table side payment by handing over the bill and processing the transactions at the table
-Holding credit cards, especially for large bookings
-Upgrading security systems such as CCTV
-Switching service models by using counter service so customers must pay before eating which eliminates the risk of this fraud entirely.
If you have any information on this incident, please contact Ennistymon Gardaí on 065 707 2180.
