We just found this great notice when booking a restaurant down South - simple yet effective!

PAYMENT DETAILS

You have been asked to please provide details of a valid credit card, you will not be charged at this time. This is necessary to protect us from no shows or unexpected changes.

** CANCELLATION POLICY **

Your card will NOT be charged for more than 24 hours’ notice of cancellation.

A fee of $30 per head applies for cancellation given within less than 24 hours’ notice.cancellation given within less than 24 hours’ notice.

A fee of $95 per head applies to last minute cancellations or changes in number of guests (less than 4 hours’ notice) or no shows.

For groups of 6 or more:

Your card will be charged for the value of $60 per person 3 days prior to the date of your arrival. Until this time cancellation incurs no charge.

If cancellation occurs within 48 hours, the $60 deposit will be retained by the restaurant, in the event of no shows or last minute cancellations (less than 4 hours notice) a fee of $95 per guest applies.

Thank you for your understanding, although we prefer not to take these measures, experience in these matters has increased our need for such policies.