A man reportedly left a S$234 tab unpaid at Enjoy Bar in Commerze@Irving, Tai Seng, claiming he urgently needed to use the restroom just as the pub was closing.
The pub owner, Guowei, told Mothership that the patron, who introduced himself as Desmond, had arrived alone on January 3. With the bar crowded, he joined a table with a stranger he did not know. He began by ordering a bucket of beer, then requested another after being informed of a promotion offering two buckets for S$88.
As part of a tip, the bar offered a S$100 “ladies drink,” which both Desmond and the stranger ordered. When closing time approached, Desmond ordered a third bucket at S$46 before claiming he urgently needed the gents’ restroom. When staff checked, he had vanished.
The stranger at the table offered to cover Desmond’s S$234 bill, but Guowei declined. “We are a newly opened pub and felt disappointed that our trust was taken advantage of,” he said. The pub usually does not collect payment upfront to allow customers to enjoy promotions without pressure.
Guowei added that they have no plans to report the incident to the police, but wanted to alert other pub owners. “We just want to create awareness for other establishments. This might not be his first attempt, and probably not the last,” he said.
Enjoy Bar emphasised that they aim to protect customers’ interests while maintaining a friendly atmosphere, even though this episode left them feeling unfairly treated.
This incident serves as a reminder for hospitality venues to remain vigilant, especially during busy hours and promotional events.