The Restaurant Industry Association says a trend for establishments to charge cancellation fees for no shows is likely to become normal practice across the sector.
After covid lockdown restrictions lifted some diners noticed a change when making an online booking - where restaurants require credit card details to charge fees in the event of a cancellation.
Restaurants argue cancellation fees are necessary as rising costs are squeezing margins and cancellations can add to that.
But some in the sector think investing in the admin needed to enforce these fees will turn some business owners off. Kathryn talks to Marisa Bidois CEO Restaurant Industry Assn and Tash McGill, President of NZ Food Writers.
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