Pune Restaurant Introduces ₹20 Fine for Wasting Food; Gets Mixed Reactions
A South Indian restaurant in Pune has caught the attention of social media lately after a photograph of its menu was shared online.
On the menu, after listing various food items and their prices, at the bottom, there is a footnote that reads, “You will be charged ₹20 for wasting food.” This move, to discourage food wastage and over ordering, has sparked an online debate and mixed reactions from social media users.
Check out the post below:
A hotel in Pune is charging ₹20 extra if you waste food.
— Ronita (@rons1212) August 13, 2025
Every restaurant should do the same, weddings and functions should start charging fines too! pic.twitter.com/Bw3eU7b58L
Some users have supported the initiative, terming it as a small but important step towards avoiding food wastage. One person wrote, “Good step. There should be penalty on food wastage.” Another commented, “Charging for food waste is a smart move, reduces excess and promotes responsibility. Scaling this to weddings and events could curb the massive food waste crisis.”
Others highlighted the restaurant’s reputation for serving authentic and good-quality South Indian food, suggesting the policy reflects restaurant’s confidence in its menu.
However, not everyone was found to be appreciative of this instruction. Some users were not convinced with the idea. One asked, “What if the food is not edible or doesn’t suit my taste? Can I charge them twenty rupees for failing to satisfy my requirement?” Another said that customers shouldn’t have to pay extra if the food quality isn’t up to the mark.
The online discussion has shown how strongly people people are engaged with food, whether about its wastage or its taste and quality. One one side some see the fine as a practical way to encourage mindful eating, others feel it places an unfair burden on diners.
