Sahar Lone: conscious buyers and transparent booking policies are equally needed - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Would-be customers are being charged for cancelling bookings.

One customer was even pinged $250 for pulling out of a 5-person table.

Consumer NZ Communication and Campaigns Manager Sahar Lone says people must be aware of the contract they enter when booking.

However, she adds businesses must be reasonable and transparent with their policies to avoid controversy.

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