Italian tourist in NY arrested for refusing to pay bill

NEW YORK (AP) - An Italian tourist who was accused of refusing to pay a tab at an upscale steakhouse said on Friday that he had forgotten his wallet and didn't have enough cash.

Mr Graziano Graziussi was eating with another person at Smith & Wollensky in Manhattan earlier this week. Police said he rang up a US$208 (S$257) bill but then told the waiter he forgot his wallet and couldn't pay. Police say he appeared drunk and tried to leave to get money, but the manager called police.

One responding officer was fluent in Italian and interpreted, though Mr Graziussi speaks English.

Mr Graziussi, a 43-year-old lawyer from Naples, had US$118 but refused to hand it over, police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said on Friday. He was arrested on a charge of theft of services and was released.