Mollie Birch, 28, says she has been unfairly shamed after a video alleging she left a Liverpool restaurant without settling her bill went viral, garnering over 1.2 million views. The footage shows Mollie waiting at Waterloo railway station, appearing uncomfortable as a restaurant staff member confronts her.
On Saturday, February 21, Mollie dined alone at Rancho Steakhouse in Waterloo, ordering Mexican dippers, a ribeye steak with chips, three pornstar martinis, and a Kopparberg, with a total bill of £59.25. Having previously visited the restaurant without issues, Mollie claims she paid the bill in cash before leaving around 8pm.
Later at Waterloo Station, a man approached her, identified as a member of the restaurant staff. Unaware she was being filmed and believing the man was on a phone call, Mollie felt blindsided when the video surfaced online, accusing her of running off without paying.
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“I look dead uncomfortable. I was shocked. It’s embarrassing. I’ve had so many cruel comments. They have made an absolute scene of me. I’ve been publicly humiliated,” Mollie said.
Navin Thapa, Rancho Steakhouse’s manager, stated the staff suspected Mollie was avoiding the bill by staying on her phone and allegedly left without paying when their backs were turned. He explained they chased after her to the station and confronted her about the unpaid bill.
CCTV footage shows Mollie leaving the restaurant and running down the street, with two staff members following. Mollie maintains she was rushing to catch her train.
The restaurant posted the video on social media to warn other businesses of alleged dine-and-dash behavior, according to Navin. “We never want to treat any customer like that but we can’t allow people to not pay their bill,” he said.
Both parties have filed complaints with Merseyside Police. A police spokesperson confirmed investigations are ongoing regarding the allegation of making off without payment and a counter-allegation of harassment. The police urged the public not to share videos or images online as it can hinder investigations and cause distress.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Merseyside Police via their social media or official website.