What is the best way of splitting the bill with friends?

The conundrum of who should pay a bill was memorably summed up in Father Ted when Mrs Doyle and her friend both wanted to pay and ended up fighting each other on the floor. 

Three decades on, Peter from PS Coffee Roaster in Naas said people are still arguing with their pal about who pays. 

“It happens all the time here,” he told Henry McKean for The Hard Shoulder. 

“Usually, it’s more of a show I feel.

“You can always tell the person who kind of asked the other person out.” 

A plate with a bill, money and tips in May 2017. Image: Zoonar GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Peter described it as “an awkward situation” but said he has come up with a simple solution. 

“I think it is definitely in our culture - from the Father Ted days,” he said. 

“It’s all in us to be nice essentially. 

“Sometimes I will say, ‘Both of you press your phone against the counter and we’ll see which one picks it up first.’” 

'That’s what parents do'

Not too far away, a mother and daughter were catching up together in the Soda Bread Shop. 

When asked by Henry who was going to pay, the mother revealed some very strong views. 

“The richer person, the person with the most money,” she said. 

“Of course, that’s what parents do - isn’t it? 

“They keep supporting as long as they can.” 

Another woman said modern technology has made it easier than ever to split the bill when you’re out with pals. 

“Usually it’s resolved with Revolut because you can both split it later on,” she said. 

“So, there’s less arguments these days, I think.”

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Main image: Paying a bill. Picture by: Alamy.com