Winterlicious reservation -- credit card # required?

[ersatz]

I just made a reservation for Winterlicious and the restaurant I called asked for a full credit card # + expiry date in order to hold the reservation.

Is this typical? Even when I've called during the Front of the Line days in the past, Ive usually only had to provide the last 4 digits of my Amex.

[RShea78]

I think the only thing to worry about is showing up and enjoying yourselves.

Anything beyond that is a "risk" to be dealt with, if it happens that you are unable to show.

Challenging a failure to show adds into investigative hassles. Your story and their story gets looked into so someone will make good notes before deciding.

Now. I have heard even if you should win any challenge, you can still loose with an account blemish. Your account maybe placed under an activity watch for security reasons, and-or require a verification before making future purchases.

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[lister]

I've been asked a couple of times for my CC when making reservations here in Toronto whether for any of the 'liciouses or just regular reservations. It's been a rare occurance though. No amount was every stated nor was anything pre-authorized. Some did state what the penalty would be, usually $50, if we were no-shows.

Personally, while I hate giving out my CC for stuff like this, I do understand why some restaurants do it due to some rude people who tie up reservations and then don't show up. BOOOO!!

[embee]

I gather this is a standard policy at Celestin and not a function of 'licious. I find this upsetting, but I recognize that some restos have a real problem with no shows that, in a small place, can be the difference between profit and loss. This is actually quite common in New York and other places I've been, but very weird in Toronto.

I'm curious -- did they tell you that your card would be billed a specific dollar amount if you didn't cancel or show by a specific time? (Because they would have no legal right to an open ended bill for a no show.) Also, if they did state an amount, did they pre-authorize your card for this amount?

As a separate issue, I believe an AMEX card number is necessary to book somewhare via Front of the Line, which is reasonable.

[ersatz]

Celestin.

Yeah, I was surprised. I've never had to do that, Winterlicious or even just a regular reservation at any restaurant.

[food_lover]

what restaurant was it?
I've never had to provide full credit card #.