The Mancunian Way: Times are tough - but when did we stop caring?

Hello,

Paying with 'dud' cards, no-shows and just simply legging it...when did people stop caring?

That’s the question asked by What’s On editor Jenna Campbell, who takes an impassioned look at a concerning trend in hospitality.

We all know this is a hard time to run a restaurant, with bills soaring and customers tightening their purse strings - but while these factors are beyond our control, making sure we actually show up and pay our dues isn’t.

Sadly dine and dash incidents are becoming increasingly more common - and those on the other side of them are increasingly hitting out in frustration.

Recently, acclaimed chef and MasterChef winner Simon Wood blasted a group of diners who failed to show after booking a special ‘chef’s table’ experience at his restaurant WOOD. Just days later, he took to social media to announce the closure of the eatery.

Though the closure was not necessarily linked to the no-shows, they certainly won’t have helped. And Jenna writes they are indicative of a wider problem in the industry at the moment.

“While Government support during the pandemic kept some afloat, previous calls for a reduction in VAT went unanswered during the last Parliament, and only time will tell whether Labour’s first Autumn Budget later this month will alleviate some of the pressure,” she said.

“For many restaurateurs the patronage and loyalty of their customers is one of the things that keeps them going in the tough times. But an increasing lack of respect for these services and their output is really starting to show - making anyone question whether opening a food and drink business in the current climate is the right thing to do.

“There’s no denying it’s tough for both customers and businesses right now, but while we may have to save a meal out for a special treat now, or even spend a little less when at these establishments, the decent thing to do is actually turn up.”

You can read Jenna’s full piece here.

MI5 since Manchester Arena attack

The security services have foiled 43 'late stage' terror plots since March 2017, according to director general of MI5 Ken McCallum.

"Since March 2017, MI5 and the police together disrupted 43 late-stage attack plots. Some of those plotters were trying to get hold of firearms and explosives in the final days of planning mass murder. Our vital work together has saved lives," said Mr McCallum.

The number of 'state threat investigations' had 'shot up' by 48 per cent last year, he said, pointing in particular to Russia. You can read more from today’s speech here.

Dad scarred for life after e-cig battery EXPLODES in his jeans

A dad has been scarred for life after an e-cigarette battery exploded in his jeans.

Robert Kane, 37, described the pain as 'like my leg had been put in an oven' and told how corrosive battery acid ate through his thigh and lower leg. He said his jeans 'started fizzing and sparking like a firework' as he stood outside a B&M store in Baguley, Wythenshawe.

He later sued the vape shop where he bought the e-cigarette, winning more than £20,000 in compensation. More here.

Baby Grealish

Aww. Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish has become a dad as he and girlfriend Sasha Attwood welcomed a baby girl.

He took to Instagram to share a photo of his daughter clinging onto his finger, writing: "Mila Rose Grealish. 27/09/24."

Sasha also posted on Instagram to share the same snap of their daughter. She wrote: "27/09/24. Mila Rose Grealish. The most special moment of my life." Congratulations to the family! You can read more here.

Manchester City win legal case

Yesterday, Manchester City won a legal challenge - but probably not the one you’re thinking of.

The club came out on top over the Premier League, proving that it has acted unlawfully, discriminatory, and against UK competition law.

In a damning verdict against the league, various other condemnations were given by the respected judges overseeing the tribunal, including that the Premier League abused its dominant position, that the APT rules were discriminatory, and that the rules were structurally unfair when introduced in 2021.

City writer Joe Bray has written about the victory and what it means for the 115 charges. More here.

Weather etc

Wednesday: Light rain changing to overcast by late morning. 14C.

Roadworks: One lane closed due to water main work on A663 Broadway Southbound at A669 Middleton Road. Expect delays.

Manchester headlines

• Paint attack: A pro-Palestine group says it targeted an office block in Manchester city centre housing insurance firm Allianz overnight. More here.
• Shooting: Crime scene investigators have been pictured scouring a street in Gorton for evidence this morning after a shooting. More here.
• River tragedy: An extended inquest will be heard into the death of a vulnerable teenager whose body was found in a river. More here.

Worth a read

Warring gangs turned Manchester’s biggest hospital into a ‘battleground’ in this behind the scenes from Manchester’s underworld. Damon Wilkinson has the full story.