At present, there is no clear stipulation that it is unacceptable, because catering enterprises belong to the category of market-regulated prices, and enterprises have independent pricing power. However, according to Article 8 of the Law on the Protection of Consumers' Rights and Interests, consumers have the right to know the real situation of the goods they buy or use or the services they receive; Article 9 stipulates that consumers have the right to choose their own goods or services.

If a restaurant wants to charge a service fee, it must inform its customers in advance. Otherwise, consumers' "right to know" and "right to choose" are violated, and customers can refuse to pay.

Here, Bian Xiao reminds you that if your restaurant charges a service fee, you must inform the customers in advance, or give a clear text prompt in the restaurant. If the merchant does not inform in advance, the service fee will be charged at checkout, and the consumer can refuse to pay; If the merchant disagrees, you can call 123 15 to complain.

Second, is it reasonable for restaurants to charge such service fees?

1. Is there a service charge?

According to industry insiders, the service fee of the catering industry originated from the "tip" in Hong Kong. However, there is no habit of tipping in Chinese mainland, and some restaurants turn this voluntary tipping into a service charge that must be clearly marked.

Although it does not constitute the overlord clause in law, it still makes many people unaccustomed, especially the customers have not experienced the "value for money" service and have a bad impression on the restaurant.

2. The charging tips are too inconspicuous.

We mentioned that the service fee must be notified in advance, whether in writing or orally. However, some merchants are "insidious" and deliberately write the tips for charging service fees so small that they appear on the front page of desks or electronic menus, and customers hardly notice them. When the customer questioned the checkout, the restaurant said, "I reminded you anyway, but I didn't see that it was your responsibility!" "

Although it is not illegal, such "sinister intentions" will definitely attract bad reviews from customers.

Step 3 say "not in time"

The restaurant told me to charge for the service, but it was not until the customers queued for a long time and finally ordered their meal on the 8 th that the restaurant said so. Customers have been waiting for 1 many hours from taking the number to queuing. At this time, some consumers will inevitably find it difficult to collect the service fee.

If customers are told the service charge when they are waiting in line, they can make a decision early. Otherwise, some customers will feel uncomfortable. For the restaurant, it is profitable this time, and no one may come next time.

Therefore, Bian Xiao suggested that if restaurants really want to charge this service fee, they should provide equivalent services to make customers feel the value of this fee. And be generous, inform consumers as soon as possible, and don't covet temporary cheap and lose long-term credibility. After all, customer experience and word of mouth are related to the "money way" of restaurants.

Thirdly, restaurants must be cautious about charging these fees.

Relevant laws and regulations clearly stipulate that "no bringing your own drinks" and "minimum consumption in private rooms" belong to the overlord clause. In this case, consumers can complain immediately.