What Should I Do if Some Stranger Used My Tab in a Bar Without My Agreement?

Question

I went out to a bar with a friend and one of her friends. I opened a tab with my credit card and since I was getting kinda drunk (I didn't do anything I shouldn't do though), my friend put me on a cab. The cab driver asked me if I have any cash on me, and that was when I realized I still haven't closed the tab. The driver told me that he can't drive me anywhere unless he was going to be paid, so he dropped back at the bar.

The bouncer refused to let me into the bar since they were closing up. I was eventually allowed to walk into the bar with consent of a manager. I walked to the bartender, and he said my friend had already closed the tap for me. He gave me a detailed listed of drinks that were charged and the total was 160 dollars. Apparently, the bartender was pissed that my friend (more like an acquaintance, he is a friend of my friend) didn't leave a tip when he closed my tab. So when I begun to mention that I didn't order that many drinks (I didnt even raise my voice), he instructed one bouncer to push me all the way out of the bar.

I called later that night, and I was informed by another manager that she saw a "Italian with black topping",which does not fit into any description of my two friends, was keep ordering drinks under my tab. However, she hung up the phone when I was trying to ask more questions. I called back again somebody else answered it and told me it is my responsibility to keep people from using my tab and hung up on me.

Answer 1

Sixteen drinks? Wow.



Right off, pay it. But, have your friend and his friend go with you and account for their drinks. This may work, but...



It is your responsibility, but you were also drunk. It seems that someone overheard you or your friends and hopped on the tab.



Good luck. But, I used to do what the bouncers did. Though, I had the power of arrest if needed (and you were drunk). I doubt most today have the training or authority, but it may be a risk. Also, they can ban/bar you from their facility. That's the only reason I suggest paying it even if it's wrong. Some places have abusive bouncers and owners that can be *******.

Answer 2

I went to the bar again the next morning, and I even paid the bartender 30 dollars for the unpaid tips. I asked for the detailed list of drinks that were ordered under my tap (I lost the first copy he gave to me when I was pushed out of the bar), he said he couldn't figure out how to get that information from the system, but he told me that it was a guy that was keep ordering drinks under my tab. I asked the bartender if I gave that person my consent to use my tab or If I was there when he ordered those drinks, he said he didn't know. The bartender told me that the person knows my last name, and that was why the bartender let that person used my tab.



I feel like a complete total suckers with 200 some bucks out my pocket (160 for drinks, 30 for tips, 40 dollars for cabs going back the bar) and my friends being mad at me for asking them that if they used my tabs etc.



What should I do at this point? Thanks.

Answer 3

well if it were me I'd Close the tab and tell them its to Never be opened again. And I'd never go back to that bar either. Also If I did go back, I'd tell them No Tab. I'll pay for only the drinks that I personally order and no one else can order under my name.

Answer 4

Pay for your own drinks in future and don't set up tabs with credit cards. I would also rethink the quality of my friends.



Why would anyone tip a barman $30? Why would anyone tip a barman? I never got tips for doing the work I was paid to do, why should I tip others for doing the work they are paid to do?

Answer 5

You got off very light considering the magnitude of your negligence and naiveté. Learn well from this and you'll count it the cheapest lesson a bar ever taught.

Answer 6

Try disputing it with the credit card company.