‘Dine and dash’ app ends bill splitting rows

IT IS the most dreaded element of a meal out with friends but thanks to new technology rows over splitting the bill could become a thing of the past.

So-called “dine and dash” systems which let waiters charge individual diners for items in real time are being trialed in Prezzo restaurants. If successful they could be rolled out more widely across the UK by Barclays, which provides the payment system.

When diners arrive they check in at their table by tapping their phone on the dine and dash “totem” which then changes colour.

Orders made are placed straight on to customers’ accounts meaning that when it comes to the end of the meal, they do not need to ask for the bill, they can simply walk out. Five minutes after leaving the venue the bill will be debited from the account holder’s balance automatically. An associated app allows diners to split the bill, add a tip or apply a discount code.

Nick Kerigan, the managing director of future payments at Barclaycard, said: “By taking the pain out of payments, dine and dash is a ‘win-win’ for both consumers and restaurants.”