A Co Down restaurant has issued an appeal to customers after four groups who'd booked tables didn't "bother their bottoms showing up".
Alexander's in Holywood said they turned down a number of requests for tables on Friday night throughout the week as they were fully booked. But as a result of the no shows, were left with "four tables of lost revenue after spending months of struggling to keep the doors open".
A spokesperson for the restaurant and bar told Belfast Live: "It's just a wee bit annoying... all it takes is a call to us and we can fill it in a heartbeat."
They also said they would like to thank "all those that made it down and those that called in to let us know that they couldn’t make it to allow us to call the wait list".
Alexander's say that 99% of their customers "are brilliant" but to those who don't let them know ahead they are not coming they said: "Have a little respect."
Bar, cafés and restaurants have been closed much longer than they've been open throughout the pandemic with many struggling to make ends meet. Now they are welcoming customers again they have to operate table service in a bid to ensure groups are socially distanced
A post on Alexander's Facebook page on Friday night read: "A note to people who book tables in restaurants and then decide not to bother their bottoms showing up...
"We had 4 tables not show tonight. That's 4 tables we declined mid week since we have been full from Monday. 4 tables we staffed to ensure they would get the correct service. 4 tables of revenue lost after spending months struggling to keep the doors open.
"Have a little respect. Don't post stuff on your Facebook about supporting local and then cost us business.
"It's the last thing hospitality needs right now."
Following an outpouring of support, they added: "Thanks for the support folks. We are lucky that 99% of our customers are brilliant. Remember to support local hospitality, even if it isn't us.
"Bars, restaurants, cafes... everyone. We can't begin to tell you how much we appreciate the volume of support we have had so far!"
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