Sunderland pub hits out at ‘rude customers’ due to the impact of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme

In a post made via the pub’s Facebook page, management have said that they “feel like all they have done throughout August is apologise” after the Eat Out to Help Out scheme has created “unprecedented” numbers of customers.

The scheme allows participating venues to offer 50% off the food bill, Monday to Wednesday throughout August, with the ability to claim the discount back from the Government.

It was introduced to provide a much needed boost to the hospitality sector following the Covid-19 lockdown.

However, it has prompted The Cliff to hit back at a number of customers who have been rude to staff, walked out without paying their bill and those who book a table and then don’t show up.

Bosses have said that each week, there has been tweaks made to try and accommodate everyone during the busy service periods and have praised the most customers for their support.

The statement on the pub’s Facebook page said: "The majority of our customers have been amazing and understanding when we have had any issues or delays.

“The downside to this scheme is that, as a team, we have fell victim to rudeness, walk outs, many no shows and the phone being put down on us when we were unable to take a booking.

"Whilst we do support this scheme, we also support our staff and any kind of abuse will not be tolerated.”

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