Yes, he pays.
What I’d do in such a situation, is make the reservations at a nice place that I personally knew. I’d tell them that I’d be dining with Mister Claus, and would the wait person be sure to give the check to him, and thank him by name.
i.e., “Thank you, Mr. Claus, for dining with us. We hope to see you again.”
If it is appropriate, this works on so many different levels…