In message , at 14:32:34 on Sun, 4 Mar 2012,
Stephen Sprunk remarked:
One of the biggest differences between pubs is whether they allow "run a
tab", or "run a tab if they hold your card", or of course ask for
payment with order.

Right. And, at least in the US, if you run a tab on your card, they
authorize the card for some round amount, eg. USD 50, before serving
your order.

Not in the UK. They just hold your card hostage without doing anything
with it (which would probably require a PIN anyway).

If further orders cause your tab (plus estimated tip)

No-one ever tips in pubs.

--
Roland Perry