@revk Seems to be quite common at other places.
Now you just need a scheme where you have a "cheap meal short notice" mailing list.
Of course what we really will end up with will be a system where the price per table varies by time of booking, there's a contractual clause allowing overbooking and we'll fit you in next week instead, and where you also charge £20 parking, and £40 for anyone bringing a larger bag in with them
Works for airlines anyway...