The Italian government has showcased a remarkable diplomatic gesture by covering the unpaid restaurant bill of four Italian tourists who left without settling their dues in Albania’s city of Berat. This incident, commonly referred to as a “dine and dash,” garnered attention in both countries, prompting discussions at the highest diplomatic levels.
During her official visit to Albania, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni engaged with her Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama, who had taken notice of the situation. In a swift response, Meloni instructed her ambassador to ensure the bill’s settlement on behalf of the Italian travelers. The bill, totaling around €80 (£68), was subsequently cleared by Italy’s embassy in Albania.
The embassy’s statement emphasized Italy’s commitment to adherence to rules and honoring financial obligations, expressing the hope that such instances would not recur in the future.
Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s agriculture minister and Meloni’s brother-in-law, underscored the importance of the diplomatic act. He highlighted that a handful of individuals should not mar the reputation of an entire nation known for its integrity.
Although the exact timeline remains uncertain, viral video footage captured the tourists leaving the restaurant premises without addressing their bill before disappearing into the night.
The restaurant owner, in an interview with Albania’s Report TV, revealed that this was the first such occurrence where patrons left without payment. Notably, the four Italians had even complimented the food’s quality during their visit.