The owners of popular Dublin bar and restaurant say they've had to start asking for deposits for bookings due to the amount of no-shows recently.
People are being asked to pre-book tables as part of the current COVID-19 guidelines, but a number of restaurateurs and bar owners have raised concerns about people not showing up.
It comes as many businesses have to deal with lower capacity due to social distancing.
Really sorry to say we will now be taking deposits with all bookings, the no shows and last minute cancellations are breaking us. We definitely still accept walk-ins, the city centre is a struggle but we really appreciate all of your custom and support 💪
— The Bank Bar Dublin (@Thebankbar) July 13, 2020
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, David Chawke - owner of The Bank on College Green - said they've been "really struggling" since they reopened two weeks ago.
He said there have been some days where 20-30% of those who've booked tables haven't shown up.
   
He said: "People are being told time-slots and these types of things, and they probably haven't been out for three or four months in a restaurant.
"They're probably trying to plan, and potentially booking a couple of places for that reason.
"I have a bit of sympathy for people if they're a bit unsure - I don't think people genuinely are doing it on purpose. I think people just aren't understanding what's really happening."
As a pub located in Dublin city centre, Mr Chawke said the business is struggling with the reduced footfall.
He explained: "There's no tourists, there's not many people in offices, the hotels are empty, there's no events on. We're in business since 2003, and last week was the quietest week we ever had.
"We can't have people standing around, sitting at the bar, standing in hallways waiting - we actually have to assign people a table.
"We're trying to staff the place... we're trying to buy in produce because of that, saying how busy we're going to be. When you look around the tables, and 20% or 30% of the tables are empty that were actually booked... it is difficult. It's very difficult."
He said people have been fine so far when asked for deposits.
He observed:Â "Last week a guy went to book a table for eight people, and I said 'listen, we're going to have to take a deposit on that'. He said 'I'll ring you back'... he rang back and then booked a table for three people. I don't think he'd book a cinema or flight based on that."
Mr Chawke said he doesn't know how it will work going forward - but for now "it's going to have to be the way".
