Aussie diner is left shocked after finding a ‘hidden’ charge on restaurant bill – but it is perfectly legal
- Diner left shocked after finding ‘hidden’ five per cent surcharge on their bill
- Restaurant-goer visited The Bavarian before asking for bill and seeing extra fee
- Venues are allowed to add a surcharge as long as they inform customers before
A diner has been shocked by a ‘hidden’ five per cent surcharge included on the bill after eating out.
The restaurant-goer ordered a salad, schnitzel, two cheeseburgers and a beer at The Bavarian Bier Cafe, on the Sunshine Coast.
They then asked for the bill before realising the waiter had added a $5.35 industry service charge.
The confused diner posted a photo of the receipt on Reddit and asked whether people had a similar experience.
A diner has been left shocked after finding a ‘hidden’ five per cent surcharge included on their bill after eating out
‘Can anyone explain what the $5.35 industry service charge is? I have not seen this hidden gem before?’ the post read.
Social media users offered a variety of responses trying to explain the surchage.
‘Looks like a ‘mandatory tip’ to me,’ one wrote.
Another added: ‘Maybe passing the credit card charge back to the customer?’
Others slammed the venue for charging the extra five per cent service fee.
‘Looks like just another way for Bavarian Bier Cafe to rip people off on their overpriced food and drinks,’ one wrote.
Another person suggested complaining to staff and even walking away without paying.
‘Just out of interest can you refuse to pay that part of the bill?’ they wrote.
‘I don’t like to be a t**t and I’m always happy to pay my way plus a tip for good service but if I’m shown a menu with prices and at the end I’m given a hidden extra on the bill then I’m not going to like it.’
The restaurant includes a list of surcharges in a small font at the bottom of its menus.
The restaurant-goer had ordered a salad with schnitzel, two cheeseburgers and a couple of drinks at The Bavarian, on the Sunshine Coast
Credit card fees, a 10 per cent discretionary charge for groups of 10, 10 per cent fee on Sunday and 15 per cent for public holidays are among the list of surcharges.
There is also a five per cent service fee between Monday and Saturday.
Queensland Government’s Office of Fair Trading states venues are allowed to add surcharges to the bill as long as it is clearly displayed to customers beforehand.
The Bavarian is owned by Pacific Concepts and has 30 venues across Australia.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Pacific Concepts for comment.
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