Tacos n Tequila at Port Noarlunga shares photos of alleged dine and dashers

A popular restaurant dished out some social media justice after two men allegedly downed tequila shots then fled their bill – now, they’ve come forward.

A popular southern suburbs Mexican restaurant dished out some social media justice after two men downed tequila shots and cocktails before allegedly walking out on a $200 bill.

On Friday night, Tequila n Tacos at Port Noarlunga shared pictures and video of two young men they claimed had left the venue without paying.

“This isn’t the kind of post we like doing however tonight these young men dined at our restaurant and unfortunately after finishing nearly $200 worth of alcohol & food, they put their hoodies on and ran (literally) away without paying,” restaurant managers said in a Facebook post.

The post was shared by more than 700 people since it was posted at 8.30pm, garnering dozens of comments from customers slamming the alleged act.

Tequila n Tacos owner Viv Dhir said he chose not to report the incident to police hoping the men, believed to be in their early 20s, would “do the right thing” once outed.

Mr Dhir said the men had since contacted him and promised to return to pay the bill.

“We were pretty upset about it, losing $200 is like losing an entire person’s wage for the day,” he said.

“The hospitality industry is going through a crisis at the moment and people are on their knees — something like that could be make or break for a lot of businesses.”

A southern suburbs institution has taken to social media after two customers allegedly — and literally — ran out on their bill. Picture: Tacos n Tequila/Facebook

Mr Dhir, who opened the restaurant alongside his wife Jacinta in 2014, said the two men physically fled the scene after ordering food, tequila shots and “the most expensive cocktail on the menu”.

He said it was the first incident of its kind, with the Port Noarlunga community rallying around the restaurant after footage was shared.

“There have been incidents where people have accidentally left without paying, but the video showed that they waited until staff were busy doing other things before they actually ‘did a runner’,” he said.

“We are 100 per cent feeling the crunch. As a family, we know it’s hard for everyone and we’re not denying feeling the crunch.

“But people should be more considerate and do the right thing, if you don’t have the money, then don’t come and eat here.”

The incident comes as the cost of living crunch takes a crippling toll on the state’s hospitality industry, with dozens of businesses shutting up shop or pleading for support.

Latest SA Police data has revealed a surge in theft-related offences — which Police Commissioner Grant Stevens attributes to soaring inflation and socio-economic factors.

Crime statistics revealed a 6.3 per cent increase in petrol drive-off offences, from 8432 to 8967 in the corresponding period.

Data related to all theft – including petrol and retail – showed a 9 per cent increase between April 2023 and 2024.