There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

 

[Luckyus]

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Having spent over forty five in the hospitality industry, I can say that the only way you got a tip or payment for service was by providing excellent service to the best of your ability. I doubt if any first class waiter in the industry today could tell what the only thing left on the table is before the coffee is served

 

[Bill MacL]

Well! America is the world capital of greed.

 

[terri]

And also the card fee. With less cash being used we all resort to cards. We know there is a card fee for the provider, but could they not include this in the price of the goods rather than adding it to an already high amount. Where are the complainers of supermarkets policies when these practices are occuring also.

 

[Ari]

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

TIPS - To Insure Prompt Service - started in the US for those wanting to be known as a returning client, plus for the importance of being known. Wages for the water-person is approximately $5ph hence tips are vital to support their wage. Personally I believe the US should mandate paying all staff a minimum wage and stop bleeding the diners with expensive meals THEN enforcing tips of 15-20%.

 

[EILEEN W]

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Absolutely irreprehensible and downright greedy! Back in the 60s I worked in restaurants in the UK to pay my way through Uni. My tips were 75% of my income and the only way I survived so I ensured my customers got great service, friendly banter and smiles, plus I ensured my regulars got the best tables etc. However I refuse to tip in Australia unless I have had exceptional service.
I will say at checkout the amount extra for tip or better still I put it in the TIP JAR. Being a waiter, bar steward or whatever - that is your chosen job and you should automatically be providing excellent service in your role. A teacher or doctor doesn't give sloppy service just because he/she is not being tipped.
I will kick up a loud complaint if I discover an extra 'surcharge' with no explanation so everyone is aware. Then I will inform the manager I will be writing a review for the Media I regularly supply and also on Facebook and TripAdvisor.

 

[Kath B]

700 mls of Margarita!!! That's a big drink. A standard cocktail glass contains 90 to 300 mls though originally they were around 120 mls so the price tag of $32 sounds right but the hidden taxes is naughty. They should be highlighted on the menu prior to you ordering.

 

[ROZ5]

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

If I get charged a surcharge I never go back to that restaurant again.

 

[Nana Zorak]

As I am never in a situation to dine anywhere but at home, I find the idea of forced tipping really poor as we all know that service is not always good enough for a tip. pay the staff a decent wage to start with so we don't turn into America where tipping is vital!

 

[Tag2305]

TIPS - To Insure Prompt Service - started in the US for those wanting to be known as a returning client, plus for the importance of being known. Wages for the water-person is approximately $5ph hence tips are vital to support their wage. Personally I believe the US should mandate paying all staff a minimum wage and stop bleeding the diners with expensive meals THEN enforcing tips of 15-20%.

This information is incorrect, tipping did not start in the US, it was in situ long before in the UK.

 

[tomtom]

I run a monthly luncheon outing for our village residents. I first check with the establishment to see if they have a seniors menu. I then ask if there is any surcharges. The answer obviously determines whether or not we support the establishment. It is the decision of the person/s whether or not they wish to come to the luncheon. If they do not wish to attend the luncheon due to the extra outlay, then that is the establishments loss. I have found that they will still charge you extra even when using a debit card. Even the prices of motel accommodation have gone through the roof - they then cry poverty - I wonder why.

 

[Eveanngra37@gmail]

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

I would not be going back. Tipping is for above and beyond normal service or goods. Aussies are paid a reasonable wage so should not be forced to give tips unless warranted. Venue surcharge is just over the top

 

[MHM]

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

In this case, involving the application of a "Venue Charge" it is understandable that the consumer vents his chagrin by social media, but it is not clear what is the purpose of the "Venue Charge". If it covers the facility to enjoy in-house music or other entertainment, it may be excusable (although the base price of the consumable would appear to include what used to be known as the "cover charge").
Otherwise, it is a clear lesson for the consumer to be more discerning about where he/she finds his/her entertainment.

 

[Macarj]

This information is incorrect, tipping did not start in the US, it was in situ long before in the UK.

Yeah it began in the middle ages in Europe

 

[Mr Chips]

Firstly, I believe that a Venue charge if not clearly advised before entering into an agreement to supply is not legal in Australia moreover it is unconscionable and I would firstly complain loudly and never visit the venue again. Secondly, how do you know that your tip is given 100% to the employee? Some venues only give a percentage of the tip to the employee which I find distasteful. I will only tip in cash which means the employee has the choice as to how much he has earned for his great service and how much he might forego to the venue! As far as the credit card fee is concerned, that never occurs at supermarkets of shops anymore so I believe that the same should apply to venues of this type as they themselves are rarely charged it from their banking providor. If that is not the case then they should look for a better banking deal.

 

[Defiant540]

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a nice meal with friends or family, sipping on your favourite beverage, and just enjoying some time away from your busy day-to-day lives.

However, as more and more restaurants across the country introduce changes to their operations, it has made dining out more costly and less enjoyable for many Aussies.

Not only is dining out getting more and more expensive, but the introduction of some QR code ordering systems — thanks to the restrictions imposed during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic — have made tipping a default option in some restaurants and cafes when you buy something, and it is throwing patrons off.

What's more, as some diners recently found out, there's another way establishments may be attempting to increase their rates...and that's by stinging customers with a 'venue surcharge' that they may not be expecting or familiar with.

A recent customer of Venues' El Camino Cantina, a restaurant owned by dining group Pacific Concepts, has shared his outrage after he received his invoice recently, which clearly displayed an additional 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge' on top of his already pricey menu item.

The frustrated customer said that the 6.5 per cent 'venue surcharge', which set him back at $34.54 for a glass of cocktail, has turned him off from dining out. Credit: Twitter.

The customer, who had paid an astonishing $34.54 for a 700 ml Cadillac Mango Margarita claimed the surcharge made him much less enthusiastic about going out for a meal.

'Prices are already extremely high, then at the end they sting you with a 6.5 per cent venue charge, a credit card charge, and then they ask you for a tip,' he wrote.

'This should be all paid by the restaurant as an expense they provide… can't they claim that on tax anyway as a business expense?'

'I am appalled by how businesses really destroy customer confidence in going out for a meal.'

Do you agree with the shopper on this one? Do 'hidden charges' like this make you not want to go back?

Sadly, this customer was not alone in his shock over the 'venue surcharge.' What is worse, customers were also charged a tip before they had received any service!

In a post on Twitter, another disappointed customer inquired: 'I'm sorry, why is this restaurant charging a ‘venue surcharge’??????? Of 6.5%???????'

'So ‘Venue Surcharge’ is a new one on a restaurant bill,' another said.

However, a representative from the restaurant confirmed that 'all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5 per cent venue surcharge', claiming that it's now a standard practice in the industry.

The spokesperson said: 'Card processing fees and service charges are commonplace across the Australian hospitality industry and cover various costs incurred by businesses.'

'We are fully transparent about the charges, which are noted on our menus, websites, and receipts across all Pacific Concepts restaurants.'

It should be noted that the QR code payments in restaurants, which mandates patrons to tip their servers have received backlash from customers who called the practice 'un-Australian'.

Adam Glezer, a consumer advocate from Consumer Champion, objected to restaurants soliciting patrons for tips before they ever interacted with the employees.

Mr Glezer said: 'A tip is something you pay for good service, and it's optional.'

'In Australia, the waiting staff are paid a much higher wage than those in America, where they rely on their tips.'

'It sounds like Australian businesses are trying to Americanise themselves. There is no justification for paying a tip before a service is provided.'

Key Takeaways

• Customers have expressed their anger over popular dining venues slinging them an unexpected 6.5% surcharge on top of pricey menu items.
• A customer who had one cocktail at Pacific Concepts' El Camino Cantina was charged an additional $2.08 'venue surcharge' and additional 0.46 card processing fee.
• Pacific Concepts confirmed all its restaurants required customers to pay a 6.5% venue surcharge and said it was 'standard' across the industry.
• Consumer advocate Adam Glezer believes businesses should not ask customers for tips before they had any interaction with staff.

We previously covered a story about how Aussies view tipping culture and, unsurprisingly, many agreed that the practice is a way for some businesses Down Under to Americanise their operations.

So, members, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for before you sit down for your meal. Always check the menu prices, do your research, and read reviews before dining in a restaurant to ensure that you are comfortable with their rates.

Have you had an unexpected charge on your restaurant bill lately? Or what advice do you have for keeping costs down when you eat out? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

big sook!

 

[EllenS]

Firstly, I believe that a Venue charge if not clearly advised before entering into an agreement to supply is not legal in Australia moreover it is unconscionable and I would firstly complain loudly and never visit the venue again. Secondly, how do you know that your tip is given 100% to the employee? Some venues only give a percentage of the tip to the employee which I find distasteful. I will only tip in cash which means the employee has the choice as to how much he has earned for his great service and how much he might forego to the venue! As far as the credit card fee is concerned, that never occurs at supermarkets of shops anymore so I believe that the same should apply to venues of this type as they themselves are rarely charged it from their banking providor. If that is not the case then they should look for a better banking deal.

Shopping at ALDI incurs a fee if you do not use cash - this is sign posted around the store.

 

[Mr Chips]

Good boys, Aldi.

Shopping at ALDI incurs a fee if you do not use cash - this is sign posted around the store.

 

[Luckyus]

Well! America is the world capital of greed.

Unfortunately in the States waiters are on a minimum wage so have to rely on tips to get a half decent wage.

 

[Groovy]

Huuummm…….I think we’ll starting seeing lots of restaurants closing their businesses!!!
What about the new price for a schooner they’re trying to introduce??