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Press Release
Our side of the storyGurgaon, June 12, 2013: For the past two
days we have suffered because of the hatewaveon social media.We had
two choices either to keep quiet and play it down or let
the world know our side of the story as well. We chose the
latter for a number of reasons
after thorough deliberation and consultation. More so for the
sake of people who
havepatronizedLemp Brewpub & Kitchen with great fervor and
interest.
So far the silence or no response from Lemp Brewpub &
Kitchen on this incident has
been construed differently. It is very unfortunate that through
irresponsible use of social
media an attempt to tarnish our reputation which we have built
steadfastly has been
made.
We were suggested by competent authorities not to give in to the
urge of responding to
all the hate messages on social media and the ensuing abusive
calls that we are still
flooded with. We have recordedthe obscene calls and we are
putting these up on social
media for everyone to assess the situation we have been in.
Along with the press release
we are also issuing the CCTV video and snapshots soon which
detail the sequence of
events as they unfolded.
Those who are a little aware about the social media and the way
it works would agree
that it cannot be the handiwork of a few to malign Lemp Brewpub
& Kitchen alone. The
timelines and snapshots of the social media platforms wherein
the hate wave was initiated
against us is a proof enough. Our digital and social media
agency has assessed and
analyzed the same. Hundreds of LIKES and posts within a second
of posting the content
has to be the handiwork of a full-fledged digital and social
media agency hired solely
with a particular motive.
Here is the sequence of events as we recall it:
1) On Sunday, June 09, 2013, afternoon, a group of 7 boys and 1
girl walks in askingfor the Hawaiian lunch which was promoted by us
on Zomato for Rs 999 all
inclusive per person. Our staff informed them right in the
beginning that Hawaiian
lunch was not available because of some reasons. Staff also
informed them of allthe other options that were available. They
opted for Sunday Brunch buffet priced
at Rs 999 plus taxes per person.
2) They then placed their orders and started having beer and
starters served to them.They kept visiting the terrace to have a
smoke and therefore over the period of
time the food turned cold. They started complaining about the
food after
consuming more than half of the servings.
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3) Our manager apologized and agreed to replace their food with
fresh dishes. Thestaff also went out of its way to serve them
something that was not even a part of
the Sunday Brunch buffet, within the existing package. They
ordered more
cocktails and starters and after consumption they expressed
their desire of leaving
stating their dissatisfaction. Our staff tried to convince them
politely and suggested
other dishes and drinks to satisfy them but they just did not
agree. They startedwalking out refusing to pay anything.The amount
due was Rs 10,393 however
they said that all that they would pay is Rs 1500.
4) For the sake of not aggravating the situation further, the
manager asked them topay at least for whatever they consumed if not
for the entire Sunday Brunch
buffet, but before Robin Taneja, the manager on duty gave them a
discounted bill
of Rs 6463, they were out of the premises, only to be met by
Kapil Singh Thapa,
Asst. General Manager, next to the elevators.
5) Both, Robin and Kapil tried to request them to amicably solve
the situation, butthey became really aggressive and vocal in the
malls public area and even
shouted at the staff. There was no bouncer present, which can be
clearly seen inthe CCTV recording.
6) They paid no heed to our repeated pleas and entered the
elevator soKapilhad nooption but to stop the elevator. They started
shouting move away from the
elevator door, we would not pay anything at allthis attracted a
lot of people
to gather near the elevator.People tried to resolve the
situation. The managers then
informed the owner. Understanding the gravity of the situation
and the
responsibilities that comes with hospitality business turned up
within 10 minutes.
The guests had called up the police who also happened to enter
the mall at the
same time.
7)
The owner tried to resolve the situation and asked them to pay
whatever theythought was just. He asked them whether they liked the
beer or not. They agreed
that the beer was really good. At this point in time, the owner
suggested them to
pay only for the beer and end the matter in good note once and
for all besides
inviting them for the Hawaiian Brunch next Sunday as they could
not savour it
that day. The bill amount was reduced to Rs 4463. The owner
suggested them
they could check about his good repute and that of the place
from anyone and
this statement of his has been completely twisted and
misrepresented by them
online.8) The police suggested that both the parties should have
a statement signed that
matter stands resolved. In the statement the guests wrote that
even after paying Rs
4463 they felt cheated. They then started threatening that they
are the social media
gurus and that Lemp will have to pay for this mistake heavily.
It was after these
threats that the Lemp management decided to give up on them and
return Rs 4463
back to them. They had created such a ruckus despite all
interventions including
that by the police that the officers had no choice but to take
them to the police
station such that the peaceful environment at the mall could be
restored back.
