Weird restaurant question

dunno · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:39

Was in a restaurant the other day and my brother didn't finish his meal. We asked if we could take it away with us, the friendly waiter said "yeah no problem, I'll see if i can find something to put it in".

Another guy comes over and apologizes and says that they are not allowed to let us take the food away with us...

My reasoning: I paid for it so therefore it is mine. I have all the right to take it away with me.

Is there some licensing law that states you are not allowed to take food off the premises?

Cheers

Swordfish · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:40

Never heard of that.

Perhaps they don't want you testing the food to find out what is in the "secret sauce"

Edit what type of meal was it ?

Indian/Chinese

Only reason I ask is that there was a large number of restaurants using beef instead of lamb for curries etc as it is cheaper.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-12296720

[TW]Sponge · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:40

I had a Thai meal the other day and waiter allowed me to take some home, don't see a problem to be honest.

VonClinkerhofen · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:42

Don't think there's a law. I've taken a 'doggy bag' loads of times from curry houses and pizza places. Suppose you could've put it in your pocket

Pawnless Endgame · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:43

With alcohol, yes, there are licences where you either drink it off the premises or on the premises, but it's not the case with food. I've been to many a place that allowed a 'doggy bag' for leftovers.

^^ Beaten :-)

dunno · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:45

I've tried looking for restaurant laws but can't find anything that says you can't take stuff with you. Just wanted to double check before I write a letter of complaint...

Twentyone · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:45

That is a bit weird. Never had that happen

Hastarius · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:46

Maybe they were paranoid and thought you were health inspectors looking to take it away and run tests to see the count of germs/bacteria on it?

You should be allowed to take your food home though seeing as you paid for it

Ekim · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:50

I think it might be something to do with being liable if you get food poisoning from not correctly reheating the food when you take it home.

Or at least that's what I have heard from someone recently.

VonClinkerhofen · 8 Apr 2011 at 19:51

VonClinkerhofen said:
Don't think there's a law. I've taken a 'doggy bag' loads of times from curry houses and pizza places. Suppose you could've put it in your pocket

Monserrat said:
With alcohol, yes, there are licences where you either drink it off the premises or on the premises, but it's not the case with food. I've been to many a place that allowed a 'doggy bag' for leftovers.

^^ Beaten

I beat sombody WoooHooo :cool:

Forgive me but it's the first time

Stumble Bum · 8 Apr 2011 at 20:11

I always try and blag some doggy bags when I goto Hooters for unlimited chickennnnn!!!! :d

and a balloon.......

..and a kiss.

meady100 · 8 Apr 2011 at 20:52

My hairdresser threw a wedding reception a few months back and on the day it snowed, about 5 people out of 70 made it there. The catering company refused to let them take any of the food away for the same reason (health). Apparently they were lobbing whole salmon in the bin and all sorts. Seemed unbelievable to me, if I'd paid for it I'd do what I liked with it!

Shayne · 8 Apr 2011 at 20:54

Incase you have it tested and discover the high seamen count in it.

sorn21 · 8 Apr 2011 at 20:58

meady100 said:
My hairdresser threw a wedding reception a few months back and on the day it snowed, about 5 people out of 70 made it there. The catering company refused to let them take any of the food away for the same reason (health). Apparently they were lobbing whole salmon in the bin and all sorts. Seemed unbelievable to me, if I'd paid for it I'd do what I liked with it!

Thats the first time I've ever heard of that.. Every catered event we (or family) have had we were allowed to keep all the food.

Same goes for restaurants, you paid for the meal, I'm fairly sure you're entitled to leave with it.

mithrandir · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:02

No law from what I know, I believe the policy is up to the restaurant.

arknor · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:06

meady100 said:
My hairdresser threw a wedding reception a few months back and on the day it snowed, about 5 people out of 70 made it there. The catering company refused to let them take any of the food away for the same reason (health). Apparently they were lobbing whole salmon in the bin and all sorts. Seemed unbelievable to me, if I'd paid for it I'd do what I liked with it!

thats crazy i would have told them to refund the money or let us do what we want with the food!

youve bought it and it should not really be any different than a takeaway!

tom_e · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:09

meady100 said:
My hairdresser threw a wedding reception a few months back and on the day it snowed, about 5 people out of 70 made it there. The catering company refused to let them take any of the food away for the same reason (health). Apparently they were lobbing whole salmon in the bin and all sorts. Seemed unbelievable to me, if I'd paid for it I'd do what I liked with it!

I'd off told them to line it up loosened up my trousers and gone to town on it if they tried to stop me leaving with it.

The Badger · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:24

Get the restaurant done for theft haha. You've paid for it, it belongs to you!

V4NT0M · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:26

Stumble Bum said:
I always try and blag some doggy bags when I goto Hooters for unlimited chickennnnn!!!! :d

and a balloon.......

..and a kiss.

And the doggy bag is a tardis, or some kind of black hole?

Kerplunk · 8 Apr 2011 at 21:35

It's your meal ?? wtf - take it away it yours