Bad Sulza/Apolda, June 8, 2026. A curious police operation at the Toskanatherme Bad Sulza is causing a stir: A 61-year-old man falsely identified himself as a restaurant tester, insulted guests, and distributed cash. Charges for trespassing have now been filed against the man from Triptis.
- Incident: Fake restaurant tester insults guests and distributes cash
- Location: Toskanatherme Bad Sulza, Wunderwaldstraße, 99518 Bad Sulza (Show on Google Maps)
- Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026, around noon
- Parties involved: 61-year-old man from Triptis, employees of the thermal spa, Apolda police
- Legal consequences: Investigation into trespassing
- Contact Apolda Police: Phone 03644 541225, Email dgl.pi.apolda@polizei.thueringen.de
Insults and cash gifts in Bad Sulza
On Saturday afternoon, an unusual incident occurred at the Toskanatherme in Bad Sulza. A 61-year-old man from Triptis drew negative attention not only by insulting other guests but also through extremely bizarre behavior: he randomly gave away cash to bystanders. Since he refused to leave the premises despite multiple requests from employees, the overwhelmed staff eventually called the Apolda police station. The man had already drawn negative attention at the thermal spa in the past.
The troublemaker claimed to the arriving officers that he was working as a professional restaurant tester. The police issued an order for him to leave the premises and initiated criminal investigation proceedings for trespassing.
How do real restaurant testers behave?
The incident shows that the term “restaurant tester” is repeatedly used for confusion or even attempted deception. Restaurateurs and operators of leisure facilities should therefore know how real testers work:
- Absolute discretion: Serious restaurant testers from well-known guides (such as Michelin or Gault&Millau) work strictly anonymously. They never announce themselves in advance and do not identify themselves during the restaurant visit.
- No special treatment: Real critics order and pay for their food and drinks like any normal guest. They do not demand free services or special treatment.
- Professional behavior: A real tester would never harass other guests, insult staff, or distribute cash to passers-by. Only after paying the bill might some critics identify themselves for a brief conversation with the kitchen – however, this is the absolute exception.
🛡️ Guide: Distinguishing real food inspectors from scammers
Restaurateurs and business owners are frequently targeted by scammers posing as inspectors. Here is how you can protect yourself and identify real officials:
1. Demand official ID: Official food inspectors from the District Office (Landratsamt) or the city must identify themselves unsolicited with an official service ID card including a photograph. Examine this carefully.
2. No cash payments on site: Real inspectors never demand cash for alleged deficiencies or immediate fees directly on site. All official fee notices are sent in writing by mail.
3. Verification with the authority: In case of doubt, restaurateurs should call the responsible authority (e.g., the responsible Veterinary Office or the Health and Consumer Protection Department) and have the inspector’s identity confirmed before granting access to sensitive areas.
Source:
Strange restaurant tester
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.