A restaurant in Litherland has been left with an unpaid bill after two customers allegedly were unable to pay. The incident occurred at Aminata Bar & Bistro on Sefton Street on Wednesday, June 3, around 5:30 p.m.
Unusual Order and Generous Portions
The customers, upon being seated, ordered a shot of Hennessey, a glass of Coca-Cola, and inquired if the breakfast menu was still available. Despite the unusual request for that time of day, the chef accommodated them by preparing breakfast items. They also ordered a sharing platter that included stuffed chicken, sweet potato fries, a side salad, cheesy garlic bread, and onion rings, bringing the total bill to £65.20.
Shane Sesay, the owner, expressed surprise at the quantity of food ordered. 'I told them there was no way they could eat all of that. The platter comes with fries, ribs, and chicken wings, and they wanted to add more and more. I said they wouldn't be able to finish it, but that's what they wanted. I told them they could take the rest away if they needed to,' he said.
Payment Issues and Dispute
According to the owner, the food was prepared and the customers ate only a few pieces before one stepped out of the restaurant. The remaining guest then requested to pay but allegedly had issues with the card payment. Shane handed them the card reader, but the transaction was unauthorized. The customer then began to cause a scene, leading Shane to step away to avoid confrontation.
'I handed them the card reader to pay, but it said the card was unauthorised. I said it didn't go through,' Shane explained. He claimed the customer went from a conversation to drawing attention and causing a scene. After a back-and-forth over the failed payment and a refusal to 'pay twice,' Shane moved to the other side of the room to de-escalate the situation.
Customers Leave Without Paying
The partner of the first customer returned to the table, and the first customer walked out. The returning guest continued eating until the two reunited a few minutes later. They then asked for a phone charger, claiming their phone was dead. Shane said he didn't have one, so they left to find a place to charge their phone and pay. After the remaining guest finished eating, they told Shane they would go to a cash machine and return to pay, but neither returned.
'Some people don't like to pay with card, and that's fine. I have to assume everyone has good intentions. After five minutes, I went out to see if they were around, but they were gone. I have to give the benefit of the doubt, but now I have nowhere to turn,' Shane said.
Police Investigation
Shane reported the incident to Merseyside Police, who are investigating it as an allegation of making off without payment. A police spokesperson confirmed, 'We can confirm that enquiries are ongoing following an allegation of diners making off without payment at Aminata Bar and Bistro in Sefton Street, Litherland last Wednesday, 3 June. Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC or 101 with reference 914.'
