for the criminal offence of theft it is
there'd still be a civil claim for failing to pay the bill in line with the oral contract for supply of food. and let's face it, you care about the civil and getting your money back much more!

it's a legal distinction but a pointless one, because if you stand up in court and say, "we only decided to run away AFTER we'd eaten, not before", who is going to believe you?
( rachelswipe with a fork, Thu 14 Feb 2013, 10:13, 1 reply, 12 years ago)

As badger said, it is the running away bit that implies theft.

( tangledupinblue hairy badge with moving eyes, Thu 14 Feb 2013, 10:16, Reply)

this is true in many circumstances

( rachelswipe with a fork, Thu 14 Feb 2013, 10:17, Reply)