Old City bar using Facebook to catch tab-ditchers
Don’t think you can just waltz into Mac’s Tavern, order a beer, buy some food and then ditch the bill.
Because your photo will end up on Facebook and everyone will be talking about it.
Mac’s Tavern in Old City, Philadelphia, has decided to marry its Facebook page and surveillance footage to post photos of people who skip out on their bills. First up is “this nondescript (read: unattractive) redhead who hid in the bathroom, then walked out on her tab.”
The post was shared 20 times and has 200 comments running the gamut from support for the bar’s tactic, criticism of its interaction with Facebook users and disgust over its comments about the alleged thief’s appearance.
“It’s gotten to the point where it happens way too often and people suffer staff, suffers and it lowers morale,” managing partner Eric Vesotsky told CBS3. And on the Facebook page: “We took a stand and did it with attitude, whether you agree with it or if it’s your style or not.”
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.