'Abusive' group leave restaurant without paying £280 bill

Two families making up a group of nine - including young children - ran up a bill of £280 at Ciao Eatalia on Swindon Street, Highworth, on Saturday, April 20.

But when the time came to pay the bill, they argued that it was too high, threatened manager Gianluca La Porta and head chef Fabio Giacalone, and left without paying - allegedly laughing as they did so. 

The business partners say this is the fifth time recently they have been subjected to what is known as 'bilking'.

Despite it being reported to the police who have opened an investigation, they feel that the behaviour is not taken seriously enough. 

"It seems to me that anyone can go into any restaurant, eat and drink whatever they want, and then leave without paying and no one will do anything about it," Gianluca said. 

The two groups, who were described as rude and demanding during their time in the restaurant, spent around £100 on food.

But the majority of their £280 bill came from alcohol orders of multiple double vodka and cokes and double gin and tonics, as well as beer, and so Fabio described them as becoming progressively drunk as the evening wore on. 

When it was just the large group and the two owners left in the building, they refused to pay - saying it was "too much". 

An argument then started, which eventually led to the two Italian men receiving what they claim was racist abuse, as well threats of violence. 

"One of them told me they were going to smash my face into the wall," Gianluca alleged. 

Fabio called the police and told them he was going to lock everyone inside until they arrived, but says he was advised not to do this. 

Eventually, one of the group handed over £100 in cash, and another made a card payment for the remaining £180 which was declined.

Fabio and Gianluca then watched as the group left the restaurant and say they saw them laughing among themselves, before getting into cars and driving off. 

"It was almost like they were proud of it," Fabio said. 

"If they had an issue with something, we would have replaced it or taken it off the bill, but they just said the whole thing was too expensive.

"But they knew how much everything would cost when they ordered it.

"To me, they knew what they were doing and I don't see how it is any different to stealing."

He added: "As a local independent business and small restaurant, that is a lot of money, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis and we already try to charge as little as possible and keep our profits as little as possible because we know this."

Gianluca added: "We are here to work, not to be abused, and threatened and stolen from and we are not protected by the police or anybody. 

"One of them even said to me "nothing will happen if I don't pay."

"But I believe in Karma, whatever you do will come back to you," Gianluca said. 

They feel that unless this kind of behaviour is taken more seriously it will get worse, especially with people's finances worsening as the cost of living crisis bites. 

A Wiltshire Police officer did attend in the same evening and take evidence, statements and CCTV footage, but the pair say they have not heard anything from them since. 

Wiltshire Police have been approached for comment.