Westjr, you've got a good reason to be upset, I'd say. You comments made to the manager were a little rough, but being a human being, late at night, both of you were not in your best mode, maybe?
And, you have stated the best solution for you and the others: talk to the owner, discuss the problem and if not resolved, don't go there anymore.
And, Teacherman's comments had better be considered, too, as he rightly points out that some customers just need to be "fired." I'm not saying you need to be (I don't believe we know each other), just that some customers aren't worth the trouble or profits.
I've recently mentioned on another thread about my current situation of having the opportunity to sell something to a young woman, who about 15 years ago, burglarized my house. I decided while reading this thread that she wasn't worth the risk and have quit prospecting her. Let someone else have her...I have plenty of good customers who always abide by the terms of our agreements. This is a good thing and one which I wish to reward.
Your problem is the same as the "petty bullshit" problem in the Basavich article thread: It is about making a contract with someone else and living up to the terms of it. It seems the manager failed in this regard, assuming it was not yet closing time.
Now, the bet made is a contract, too, between two people. Perhaps the terms of that could be completed elsewhere at a new time? This would have to be decided between the two parties, not here on the board. This would eliminate the $400 loss, wouldn't it?
And Teacherman, your message is clear, refreshing, objective, and stands on its own. However (you saw that coming didn't you?

), the source of knowledge is a good thing to integrate, as is the tone of the message. All play a part in the successful transference of facts to other, imho.
Jeff Livingston