Summary
In Zurich restaurants, the phenomenon of no-shows is increasing dramatically: guests reserve tables but fail to appear and do not cancel. Many restaurateurs are responding with fees of up to 50 Swiss francs per person. This measure is controversial – consumer advocates warn of double revenues, while restaurant operators report declining table occupancy. In the Schaffhausen region, the problem has been less acute so far.
People
- Mike Gut (Restaurant Manager Ratio, Zurich Seefeld)
- Philipp Thomen (Gastro Schaffhausen, Kronenhof Manager)
- Sarah Stalter (Foundation for Consumer Protection)
Topics
- Gastronomy and customer behavior
- Business practices and fee models
- Consumer protection
Clarus Lead
No-shows cost restaurants dearly. Four to five weeks ago, Restaurant Ratio in Zurich-Seefeld lost a third of its reserved tables to guests who did not appear. The restaurant responded: every reservation now requires a credit card number. Those who don't show up and don't cancel pay 50 francs per person. This practice is spreading throughout the Canton of Zurich – but not in Schaffhausen, where the phenomenon is not yet critical.
Detailed Summary
The Extent of the Problem
Restaurateurs speak of a change in behavior: non-commitment has become the norm. Mike Gut from Restaurant Ratio documented a turning point a few weeks ago when heavily booked tables remained empty. The GastroZüri association has therefore long recommended that restaurants collect credit card information when taking reservations.
The Fee Logic
For four people, a no-show can quickly cost 200 francs. Gut justifies this practice pragmatically: "Unfortunately, people often function through their wallets." Sascha Menzi from Gertrudhof in Zurich-Wiedikon reported after nearly a year: "No-shows have dropped extremely." Guests with foreign phone numbers show particular improvement.
Consumer Advocates' Criticism
Sarah Stalter from the Foundation for Consumer Protection raises concerns: at well-attended restaurants, a table can quickly be reassigned – then the restaurant earns twice. Restaurateurs counter that tables cannot be immediately reassigned and that finding new guests at short notice would create the problem.
Regional Differences
In Schaffhausen, the problem is less noticeable. Philipp Thomen (Gastro Schaffhausen) reports occasional no-shows for larger tables, but no entire tables without appearance – "thank goodness". Should the problem increase, fees could become an issue there as well.
Key Findings
- Trend: No-shows are increasing noticeably in Zurich restaurants; fees of up to 50 francs per person are established.
- Effect: Restaurants report dramatic declines in no-shows after introducing fee models.
- Criticism: Consumer advocates warn of double revenues; restaurateurs emphasize logistics problems with last-minute bookings.
- Geographic: Problem concentrates on Zurich city and surroundings; Schaffhausen less affected.
Critical Questions
Data Basis: How many no-shows currently occur per week/month in Zurich restaurants? Is there central recording or only individual reports?
Causality: Are no-shows really a consequence of "lack of commitment" or are there other factors (booking errors, emergency situations, algorithm overbooking by reservation platforms)?
Profitability: How quickly can a table actually be resold? Can new guests be found 30 minutes before reservation time? Is there data on this?
Equality: Why are guests with foreign phone numbers disproportionately responsible? Are these non-residents or is there a bias?
Fairness: Do terms and conditions sufficiently protect both sides? Can guests cancel at short notice if their plans change?
Alternatives: Why don't restaurants use waitlist systems or flexible capacity models instead of fees?
Control Mechanism: How is it ensured that restaurants actually collect the fees and don't abuse them as pressure tactics?
Consumer Protection: Are the fee regulations legally binding or merely terms of business without mandatory enforcement?
Sources
Primary Source: Regional Journal Zurich Schaffhausen (SRF) – https://download-media.srf.ch/world/audio/Regionaljournal_Zuerich_Schaffhausen_radio/2026/02/Regionaljournal_Zuerich_Schaffhausen_radio_AUDI20260219_NR_0070_aa10f1cd37e449b2957034484c49e2b1.mp3
Verification Status: ✓ 2026-02-19
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 2026-02-19