Dine-and-Dash Gang Leaves Hastings Restaurant with £146 Bill Unpaid
A group of dine-and-dashers has sparked outrage after refusing to pay their £146 bill at a family-run restaurant in Hastings, East Sussex, and threatening staff before walking out. The incident occurred on February 28 at La Delizia, where the women consumed multiple courses and "ate everything" before raising a complaint just as the bill arrived.
Police Initially Deem Incident a Civil Matter
Flanco Esposito, who runs La Delizia with his wife Rosa, described how the group claimed to have discovered a "small piece of paper" in one of their dishes—which they had already entirely finished. Despite Mr Esposito immediately apologising and offering to remove the offending dish from their bill, the group refused to pay for anything at all and began to leave the premises.
In a desperate attempt to stop them, Mr Esposito called the police while trying to prevent their departure. To his shock, officers informed him that the matter was considered "civil" and not something they would attend to. "I come in at 7am and often finish at 10pm, working 10 to 15 hours a day," he said. "I always thought the police had my back if I was in trouble, but it looks like criminals can just get away with it."
Restaurant Staff Left Fearful and Vulnerable
The restaurant later posted a statement on Facebook, expressing that the police "did not initially acknowledge the seriousness of the situation." Staff were left with "no option but to allow them to leave for fear of attack," highlighting the emotional and physical toll of the incident. This response has raised concerns about the support available to small businesses facing such crimes.
Pattern of Behaviour Uncovered
Subsequent investigations revealed a disturbing pattern. CCTV footage allegedly showed the same group pulling an identical trick at La Bella Vista in nearby St Leonards the previous year. This restaurant is run by Flanco's brother Aldo, with both establishments operated alongside their wives as part of a close-knit family business, including Aldo's daughter Emilia.
Sussex Police Launch Investigation
Following public outcry and further review, Sussex Police have confirmed they are now investigating an alleged theft and public order offence related to the incident. A spokesperson stated: "We were called to a report of customers refusing to pay for their meal at a restaurant in East Parade, Hastings on 28 February. The initial report did not meet the threshold for an immediate police attendance."
The spokesperson explained that all calls are assessed using a threat, harm, and risk-based process to prioritise officers for incidents with immediate risks. However, they added: "We have contacted the restaurant staff and an investigation into an alleged theft and a public order offence is now underway. We are reviewing witness accounts and CCTV footage in order to identify those involved."
Authorities Vow to Take Action
Detective Insp Hannah Taylor-Jones, from the Sussex Police investigation team, emphasised the impact of such crimes. "'Dine and dash' incidents have a significant financial and emotional impact on businesses, and we take reports of this nature seriously," she said. "No business owners should have to deal with this type of behaviour. Our dedicated Business Crime Team works closely with the business community and victims to gather evidence, take appropriate action, and ensure offenders are held to account."
The case has sparked a broader discussion about police response to non-violent crimes against businesses, with many calling for stronger protections for small enterprises. Daily Mail has reached out to Sussex Police for further comment as the investigation continues.
