Asking a deposit from large parties

A no-show of two is annoying. A no-show of twelve on a Saturday night is an evening you will not make up. That is why many places ask a deposit from a certain party size.

From how many people

Six to eight is common. Pick the point at which an empty table really hurts — usually where you have to start combining tables and therefore turn away several smaller reservations.

How much

An amount per person low enough not to deter and high enough to bind. It is not about covering your revenue; it is about someone thinking twice before not turning up.

Be clear about what happens to it

Is the deposit settled against the bill, or does the guest get it back? Either works, but your guest needs to know beforehand. Vagueness here earns you a discussion at the till, exactly when you are busy.