It was described as a “cruel” policy but others felt that the rules were clear
Food from Elif on Bold Street(Image: Jess Flaherty/Liverpool ECHO)
A Liverpool’s restaurant’s policy on solo diners has been slammed as “awful and unfair” by some but others say the business has every right to decide what to do.
Last week, the ECHO reported that Elif Turkish BBQ on Bold Street had stood by its solo diner policy after refusing a customer service. Elif Turkish BBQ on Bold Street is known for its £15.95 lunchtime menu. Sharon Davies, 56, from Runcorn, visited Elif on Saturday, November 29, at 1.30pm, when there was “no more people than usual”.
Even though she was a frequent solo diner, having visited the restaurant three times before, she was upset to learn she was now being refused entry for being alone.
Elif has stood by its decision to refuse solo diners and points to the sign on the restaurant’s door stating the venue’s policy. The sign reads: “Due to limited space, we regret that there are the following restrictions: no prams, no single tables, no takeaways. We sincerely apologise for these measures.”
Sharon told the ECHO: “What is annoying is that I’ve been there on three separate occasions alone and they’ve let me in and shown some discernment. If somebody is getting to that point in their life where they have to eat alone for whatever reason what are they supposed to do?”
Despite the policy, an Elif spokesperson told the ECHO “the waiters have recognised her and when it is quiet have given her a table as she is a regular.”
The restaurant said bookings take priority and there was a “a line of people outside on a Saturday” but Sharon claims it was “no more people than usual.”
During the conversation at the restaurant, Sharon claims other customers waiting in line offered her a place at their table, which she declined.
Elif on Bold Street
The issue caused a lot of debate in the comments section of the ECHO’s Facebook page. Several people argued that, due to losing a loved one, they often find themselves eating alone.
One of those was Maureen Ellerton who said: “They don’t know why people are eating alone. I’d give anything to have my late husband beside me for a meal, but why should I be penalised and denied a meal because he sadly passed away 25 years ago, shortly after his 60th birthday?”
There was a similar sentiment from Corinne Walsh who argued: “That’s absolutely disgusting. I’m widowed and often go out alone. It takes courage to eat solo especially when you’re a woman.”
Bill Elms said: “That’s an awful policy, living in the city centre I often go out alone for lunch. Also, what about people visiting on business who have no alternative but to eat alone? A diner is a diner, they shouldn’t be allowed to refuse them.”
Several people claimed they will avoid going to Elif with their friends in future due to the policy. Karen Ward said: “I won’t go there again with my large family as I don’t think single people should be declined. It is cruel and hurtful.”
Responding to Elif’s claim that the policy is due to a lack of space, Lynda Cooper said: “They need bigger premises to cater for everyone.”
Tuzi Adubi said: “It’s not fair on single people. It can be daunting enough going out to dine alone. Shame on this restaurant. If they think they can pick and choose customers, well we can pick and choose not to eat there.”
Britny Alfonzetti said: “What an absolutely awful policy. I have eaten solo since my 20’s. I’ve moved around a lot so if I didn’t go out on my own I would never get out!”
However, others came to Elif’s defence. Joseph Plimmer said: “Seems straight cut, she went on a Saturday and it was busy, other customers offered to let her sit at their table and she said no.
“I’ve never had the knock back before for being by myself but I do understand where they are coming from.”
Kwasie Mensah agreed, adding: “I love Elif, boss food, excellent service and great value. If you’re one of those people moaning because they don’t accommodate single eaters, the answer is to just go somewhere else.”
Heather Johns had a similar outlook and said: “People in uproar like Bold Street isn’t packed with other places to eat – it kind of feels like entitled behaviour. It’s a small place that is rammed at peak times.
“Why would they give a whole table to just one person? Also this lady had said she’d eaten their solo previously, so obviously it was just too busy at that time.”
Simon Hashim said: “Funny how everybody is a business and economics advisor. How is this news? If you don’t like their policy…..then don’t go there. It’s their restaurant, they decide how they run it. I don’t think they turn to Facebook experts for business guidance.”
Joseph-James Picknell argued it was “not a stupid policy, but it is a brave one” as he drew attention to the wider challenges facing restaurants.
He said: “Just a week ago, the Government decided to pile on additional taxes, wage costs and business rates to an already struggling industry and had the nerve to call it ‘relief for many hospitality businesses’.
“Right now, it’s Saturday afternoon, in December and the centre is bustling with Christmas shoppers. Now, as you’re gearing up to try and make what you can during the busiest trading period of the year — you know, to keep people in work and stop yet another building from sitting empty — a customer walks in.
“She’s fully aware of the policy. Yet she’s offended that her single bowl of soup at a table for one can’t be accommodated today, because the venue is almost fully booked and is trying to protect the few remaining tables for double occupancy — where there’s at least a chance of covering those rising costs.
“And somehow, the business is still the villain. Everyone needs to start understanding that small independent venues have to implement policies like these to safeguard their business sometimes… they aren’t turning her away for the sake of it.”