This Pune restaurant is charging Rs 20 penalty for wasting food. Internet divided

The image and comment circulated widely, prompting a flood of responses from social media users.

A South Indian eatery in Pune drew wide attention after a photograph of its handwritten menu revealed a special note at the bottom: “You will be charged 20 (Rs) extra for wasting food.” The policy, aimed at discouraging leftovers, quickly ignited debate online when shared by an X user.

The post, uploaded by a user named Ronita (@rons1212), showed the whiteboard menu with the unusual warning. In her caption, she remarked: “A hotel in Pune is charging Rs 20 extra if you waste food. Every restaurant should do the same, weddings and functions should start charging fines too!”

The image and comment circulated widely, prompting a flood of responses from social media users. While some praised the idea as a deterrent against unnecessary wastage, others questioned whether customers should be penalised for food they did not enjoy.

A hotel in Pune is charging Rs 20 extra if you waste food.

Every restaurant should do the same, weddings and functions should start charging fines too! pic.twitter.com/Bw3eU7b58L

— Ronita (@rons1212) August 13, 2025

One user commented approvingly: “Good step. There should be a penalty on food wastage.” Another recalled that the practice was not entirely new, citing a different outlet: “Durvankur was the first restaurant that had the price difference based on food wastage. Rs 20 discount if the plates were clean. Good to see others adopting this practice.”

Supporters pointed out that buffets in other parts of the world often imposed similar conditions. “There used to be an all-you-can-eat fancy buffet, but you pay for all the food left on your plate at the end of the meal,” one person noted.

However, criticism was equally strong. Some argued that the policy risked being unfair. A user asked: “What if the food is not edible or does not suit my taste? I would not know beforehand. Can I charge them twenty rupees for failing to satisfy my requirement? Not supporting food wastage but opposed to nonsensical policies.”

Ronita defended the restaurant by replying: “These people are known for the quality and authentic taste of the food they serve. I see this as their confidence in their quality. Particular to this outlet.”

Another contributor extended the discussion to Indian wedding culture, linking food wastage to the absence of guest confirmations: “I liked the concept of RSVP. Unfortunately I have never seen this in India. People just keep calling every other person to the wedding — like you have to come. No one asks whether they will come or not. With such inputs the food wastage can be mitigated to a certain extent as the prediction of guests now has better margin for error.”