Frustrated by diners who fail to show up or cancel reservations less than 48 hours in advance, some Aspen restaurants are now demanding patrons provide credit card information up front, allow a penalty fee of $100 per person reserved for any cancellation made less than 48 hours in advance and sign a contract agreeing to such terms.

Prospective diners also may expect to receive two or three phone calls and/or e-mail reminders confirming reservations.

Aspen restaurant operators maintain the measures are necessary for their business as they experience an “epidemic” of last-minute cancellations and no-shows.

“We’re calling it an epidemic,” said Melissa Rhines, referring to the staff at Ellina restaurant, which she manages, as well as the other local restaurants that report a recent surge in late cancellations and no-shows. “We’ve had more no-shows (this season) than ever. And it’s detrimental to our business.”

Read the full story at AspenTimes.com.