Restaurants may start taking non-refundable deposits for group bookings to deter people who don't show up.

The Chamber of Commerce said yesterday that restaurants frequently over-book to compensate for people not turning up.

This leads to frustration for both the restaurant and for customers who have booked and need to wait for their table.

The restaurant division of the Chamber is now backing a policy to allow restaurants to charge a non-refundable deposit or credit card guarantee when groups of eight or more book.

The same policy may also apply if a large group booking is made and many do not turn up.

The Chamber yesterday advised diners to check booking policies before making group reservations.