An independent craft brewery in Bolton has stopped taking bookings at its own real ale bar because of no-show customers.
Like other hospitality venues across Greater Manchester, Blackedge Brewery Bar in Horwich has been let down by numerous customers who have booked an outside table and then failed to turn up.
The issue has blighted restaurants and pubs across Greater Manchester since the easing of lockdown measures on April 12 when drinkers and diners were allowed to book al fresco tables.
Founder and managing director Wayne Roper has sent out a tweet from Blackedge, based in Moreton Mill, Hampson Street, saying: "With immediate effect we are no longer accepting bookings. All existing bookings will be honoured.
"We will now operate on a normal walk in first come first served basis. This is due to the sheer number of calls and emails that we don't have capacity to deal with booking no shows."
And he appealed for others to retweet the message and spread the word, adding: "Shame on you people that book tables at any venue and then fail to show up without giving any notice.
"Small independent businesses have had a rough year and are reliant on bums on seats. If you book a venue and can't make it, let them know."
However, Mr Roper said today he did not wish to expand on his post because he had suffered a 'backlash' from locals.
Elsewhere across the city region restaurant operators have pleaded for people to cancel their table reservations if they're no longer able to attend, amid concerns surrounding mass no-shows.
Empty tables have been described as a 'lethal' blow for the sector just as many hospitality businesses begin to reopen with no-shows said to cost the sector as much as £16bn a year.
The #NoMoreNoShows campaign was first launched last summer and has ramped up again as hospitality begins to reopen.
Blackedge Brewery was founded 12 years ago by current managing director Wayne Roper, 45. It has since won numerous awards.
