The Rogue 24 restaurant in Washington, D.C. has taken a hard stance against cellphones and cameras in the dining room: it requires a signed two-page contract that stipulates, in part, that these tech devices are not to be used during a diner's meal. "All guests should be able to enjoy the experiences that surround them at Rogue24 free of distraction," reads the contract.
Rogue 24 is unlike most restaurants in that it only offers a 16-course tasting menu or a 24-course tasting menu -- nothing is offered a la carte. Diners can opt for a la carte alcoholic beverages or select a special pairing. For these privileges, Rogue 24 diners must also provide their credit card information on the contract.
Here's where things get especially controversial: If diners cancel their Rogue 24 reservation with less than 72 hours' notice, but before 3 p.m. on the day of their reservation, diners are charged 50 percent of what their check would have been. If they are 30 minutes late to their reservation or cancel it after 3 p.m. on the day of their reservation, they'll be charged 100 percent of what their check would have been. And if the signed "Reservation Agreement" isn't returned within 72 hours of calling to make a reservation, Rogue 24 staff will void it entirely.
Rogue 24's policy means that a forgetful couple who happened to order the 24-course Journey menu with an alcoholic beverage pairing will be responsible for paying 50 percent or 100 percent of their $175-a-person meal. Eater DC snagged scans of the Rogue 24 restaurant contract, which appear below:
