'Absolute disgrace': Sydney diners' 'appalling' act amid lockdown lift

A Sydney pub has taken to social media to expose a group’s ‘disgraceful’ act after they opened their doors following the coronavirus lockdown restrictions being eased this month.

After months of strict measures seeing the hospitality industry struggle to keep afloat, pubs and restaurants gladly threw doors open this month once the lockdown laws lifted, desperate to make back the profits lost during the worst of the pandemic.

It seems however, some selfish diners don’t care to bolster local businesses, instead capitalising on the difficult times to complain and even rob establishments.

The Royal Oak in Balmain was one pub to cop some seriously poor behaviour from patrons following their reopening, and they took to social media to call out the behaviour, sparking outrage among the local community.

“Walked out without paying a cent,” they wrote on Facebook.

“Yesterday a table of four left the Royal Oak refusing to pay for anything.”

The post went on to explain a table complained so heatedly about their food that they received four meals for free, yet still decided to walk away without paying a beverage bill of over $100.

In the heartbreaking post, the business explained the difficulty of reopening and adjusting o the new measures, slamming the customers’ decision to rip off hard-working staff.

“The pub was busy, they are trying best to accommodate bookings, social distance restrictions and admit its tough as short staff many worked double shifts and they are bloody exhausted,” the post explained.

“Please consider your attitude and if you are unable to be patient then reconsider going out in these times.”

The Royal Oak Balmain has been contacted for comment.

Locals and fans slam ‘disgraceful’ dine and dash

Backlash to the act was swift, with locals and fans of the business slamming the table as ‘scumbags’, and labelling their decision an ‘absolute disgrace’.

“What appalling behaviour,” one woman wrote. “Shame on them.”

“Disgraceful, ignorant people,” raged another. “[They] don’t know the meaning of hard work, dedication to customer service.”

“That’s bullsh*t,” declared a third. “The Oak is one of the best pubs on the peninsula (if not the best) and this should not be tolerated.”

“This is appalling and those people should be banned for life,” another recommended. “Now is a time for patience and respect.”

Others took the opportunity to praise the pub, which is described as ‘one of Balmain's oldest and best-known pubs who loves its food as much as sport and simply having a great time’.

A clear favourite with locals, many praised the team’s ‘fantastic’ response to the new measure.

“Poorly behaved people don’t change their behaviour even during a pandemic.,” one woman wrote. “Your team is fantastic, always doing a great job and make us feel so welcome. Let’s hope only nice people who appreciate the efforts you make turn up to your pub.”

“I was there yesterday and had a great experience thank you, staff did a great job given the strong demands,” another wrote.

Social distancing measures leave local businesses struggling

It comes as businesses struggled under the lockdown laws, with many industries hit particularly hard.

In addition to restaurants bars and pubs struggling, the beauty industry came to a near standstill for months.

Additionally, Australia’s sex workers faced serious uncertainty amid the shut down as brothels and private services were banned under the strict social distancing rules.

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