Monday 11th July 2011

Today on Liveline, we heard from Lisa, who told listeners about a novel device one city centre restaurant uses to decide who qualifies for the cut price children's menu. On a recent visit to 'Jimmy Chungs' on Eden Quay, she discovered that two 10-year-old children in her family group were charged full adult prices because they were more than 4'6" in height . Grandfather Tony called in to share his experience of the same restaurnant. Two of his dining companions, who were under 10, were also charged adult rates - The children might have been tall for their age, but the print on the menu was definitely small.

Staying with restaurants, Louise wanted to know where exactly does the Service Charge on restaurants go, and why do we have to pay for it? Surely the service is after all part of the service? Restaurateurs called in to defend the business. Pat said all tips in his restaurant go directly to the staff and it was a great incentive for them to work hard. Mary agreed that tips are a bonus for good waiting staff, but felt that Service Charges should be included in price of the meal. Dave was having none of it - he said he refused to pay the charge in one restaurant, he is self employed and does his job and expects nothing extra, why should restaurants be any different?

Caller Eugene was in St Stephen's Green in Dublin recently and was shocked when a man approached, who was very unsteady on his feet and appeared to be under the influence, and fell over and just missed landing on his child in the buggy. This prompted more calls on violent incidents amongst our listeners including William who came to the aid of a man who was being kicked by 2 teenagers and Ray, whose son was attacked with a stanley knife at Oxygene last year and mothers arriving in time to help their children.