Eating Out
We’ve all been out for a meal and been disappointed. In most cases we keep this dissatisfaction to ourselves. However, if the food or the service is below standard, you can take matters further.
It goes without saying that restaurants are legally obliged to provide food that is safe and of satisfactory quality. It must also match the description on the menu.
Obviously, there’s a difference between poor quality food and food which is dangerous. If your food contains foreign bodies or causes you food poisoning, then this is much more serious.
You can sue for food poisoning although there are some evidential difficulties. It can be difficult (although not impossible) to establish that it was in fact the restaurant food which caused the illness. However, in such cases (unusually, in the case of personal injury) you do not have to prove negligence per se. You only have to establish that the food contained harmful bacteria, you have suffered illness and that it was the food in question which was the cause of the illness.
If the food is unsatisfactory, you should complain as soon as you can. In most cases, you will be offered a replacement meal at no cost. If, however, the Maître d’ does not give you a satisfactory response, you should speak to the manager. If this doesn’t get you any further, you can pay, deducting the amount for the disputed meal from the total. Leave your contact information and it’s up to the restaurant to pursue you for the balance.
If you have been left unsatisfied by your experience in a restaurant, contact us today.
Contact J L Lezemore Consumer Advice Solicitors covering Hertfordshire and Essex
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