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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WHEN DINING OUT

Waiter, there is a fly in my soup! What can you do when you go out for a meal and the service stinks?

I feel like I've been waiting forever for my food

Remember that the speed of service will vary, depending on where you are eating. A cordon bleu at an expensive restaurant will take longer to prepare than a burger at a fast food outlet. If you do feel that the service is too slow, make a complaint. If things remain horribly slow, you could request a deduction from the bill. You do not have to tip if the service is not up to standard.

Ooh, I feel terrible and I'm sure it was last night's meal

Most food- poisoning bugs take effect within 12 to 36 hours. Write a letter of complaint to the restaurant and let them know what you think made you ill. They should compensate you for the meal.

I booked a table a week in advance. Now it's the night before and I'm not feeling well.

It is polite to let the restaurant know as far in advance as possible that you want to cancel so that they can still fill the booking. It is best to check the restaurant's cancellation policy when booking, especially when it's for a special occasion

I booked a table for 7:30pm and there is a second sitting booked for 9:30pm. Now the waiter is trying to hurry me.

If you were told about the second sitting when you booked and you agreed to leave at a set time, then you are obliged to fulfill that commitment. If, however, you weren't told in advance, you can complain and withhold payment of the service charge or decline to pay a tip.

A service charge was included in the bill, but the service-charge space has been left blank on the credit- card slip.

You are not obliged to add another tip. If you want to leave an extra tip, or make sure your waitron gets the tip, you can give it to them personally in cash.

I have lodged a complaint, but the problem hasn't been solved.

You are within your rights to deduct an amount from your bill. If a dish was not up to scratch you can deduct its price and if the service was poor you can decline to pay the service charge or to leave a tip.

I want to withhold payment, but the restaurant staff is causing a scene.

Explain to the staff that you have made the deduction for poor service. If you are pressured into paying in full, write a letter of complaint to the manager or owner as soon as possible.