Pembroke Woman Faces Criminal Code Charges for Dine and Dash Incident
A 32-year-old woman from Pembroke, Ontario, has been charged under the Criminal Code following an alleged dine and dash incident that escalated into an impaired driving investigation. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a call from a local restaurant on February 6, 2026, at approximately 10:45 p.m., reporting that a customer had left without settling her bill.
Police Investigation and Charges
According to authorities, the restaurant staff alerted police that the suspect, who was believed to be impaired, fled the establishment without paying. Officers quickly located the woman on Boundary Road, where they initiated an impaired driving probe. This investigation resulted in multiple charges, including food and lodging fraud under Section 364(1) of the Criminal Code and failure to surrender an insurance card under Ontario's Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.
The charges highlight a growing concern in the food and hospitality industries, where dine and dash offences are becoming increasingly costly for businesses. Industry representatives have called for stricter penalties to deter such behavior, emphasizing the financial strain it places on establishments.
Legal Consequences and Industry Impact
Under the Criminal Code, convictions for fraudulently obtaining food, beverage, or accommodation can carry a maximum penalty of up to two years less a day in prison and/or a fine of $5,000. However, legal sources note that penalties often involve discharges, suspended sentences, fines, or other minor orders in practice.
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke on March 9, 2026. Additionally, her driver's licence was suspended for 90 days, and her vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days as part of the impaired driving investigation.
This case underscores the broader issue of dine and dash incidents, which have been flagged by the hospitality sector as a significant operational challenge. Businesses are urging for more severe sentences to act as deterrents, arguing that such offences not only impact their bottom line but also contribute to a culture of non-compliance with legal and ethical standards.
The OPP's swift response and the subsequent charges demonstrate law enforcement's commitment to addressing these types of crimes in the Upper Ottawa Valley region. As the legal proceedings unfold, this incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from seemingly minor acts of fraud.
