No shows at restaurants

Chef Tom Kerridge along with other Chefs and Restaurateurs have spoken about the damage caused by people booking since re-opening and then not showing up. This is terrible for the industry trying to get back on its feet. If someone genuinely cannot turn up why don't they phone to let the restaurant know. How demoralizing for all the staff and all that lovely food that has been cooked and wasted.

The only way forward is for credit card details to be taken when the booking is made (some restaurants already do this) and a deposit to be made, in the event of the customers not turning up then the deposit is lost a bit like when you book a holiday.

What thoughts do any of you have ?