We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[Thecla]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR we are Australian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ElizabethL]

Ask before you make a reservation or when you enter the establishment.
If they say that a surcharge will be added then it’s your choice to stay or go.

 

[jacki warren]

tipping should be optional....

 

[Panred]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR we are Australian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hear hear!I don’t know why we take on the American pronunciations of words or this tipping crap! We won’t pay it and we’ll certainly make sure we ask about it when booking! It’s unAustralian!!!!!!

 

[Wendyfraser]

That’s shameful you can’t just add a charge without an explanation, we are not tippers in Australia

 

[Harimau01]

Hear hear!I don’t know why we take on the American pronunciations of words or this tipping crap! We won’t pay it and we’ll certainly make sure we ask about it when booking! It’s unAustralian!!!!!!

If they don't tell you clearly when you first sit down then don't pay it. Cause a fuss, and refuse to go there again.

 

[Iggydi]

This is unacceptabl. What happens if you only have enough in the bank to cover the bill minus the surcharge. The staff get paid and this is just money grabbing at the highest level. The restaurant should have a sign clearly displayed saying they charge a 10% surcharge for group bookings. Then people are aware of the extra amount they need to pay. We have been American for many years now much to my disgust. Celebrating Halloween, all the different American foods and food places that are taking over, the American words that have crept in. We are losing our Australian culture to become recycled Yanks

 

[Lawrence1945]

I was informed that in the USA the staff are not paid like in Australia a fair salary so tipping was to make up the difference. So that leave us with the question. Who’s not paying their staff a fair salary. AAAC get on this case.

 

[Cougar]

We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below!

No way should we be tipping in australia ..American waiters etc get very low wages compared to here so tipping is there to give them a livable wage..we pay gst which is an extra charge already...we pay higher prices so tipping is a rourt..if you go on a cruise from Australia you pay more than Americans as the tipping is added to the price you pay....I would refuse to pay the extra charge and never go to the venue again

 

[rehandra]

We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below!

If you are not informed or it is not writen on the menu I would refuse to pay it. Maybe the time has come to ask before you book

 

[grays]

We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below!

If it's not been clearly shown up front, before ordering, refuse to pay!

Ask them to call the police and make them wait it out! It's 'extortion' if not prior advertised, and think about it: what is the justification for a %. Logically it should be a fixed charge not a %

Unless this is made a big issue for the restraunt, they will keep doing this.

(I thought when GST was introduced, the rules said all add-ons must be shown in the advertised price). Tipping is un-Australian.

 

[Iggydi]

I was informed that in the USA the staff are not paid like in Australia a fair salary so tipping was to make up the difference. So that leave us with the question. Who’s not paying their staff a fair salary. AAAC get on this case.

Their wages are very minimal in America but the prices of everything isn’t as expensive as it is here. They also add what they call Value Added Tax after you buy an item it’s not included in the price like our GST. Some people expect to get a tip for doing nothing and other’s give 150%

 

[Sierra040]

We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below!

It’s so expensive to eat out as it is. Don’t bring in another American idea like tipping.

 

[DotP]

The reason it’s so common in America is because the staff are paid so little !!! Which is not the case in Australia so tipping should be optional

 

[Glo72]

We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[Ian1]

S

We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below

Simple response this time: NO, it’s not alrighy! Just because they do certain things, like mess with the English language, that does not mean that it’s acceptable here. We Aussies are becoming too easily influenced, instead of being proud of our own culture and Aussie ways. Wake up Australia! Don’t let our country become extra states of the U.S! Soon we’ll be driving on the right as well!

 

[Glo72]

We are not in America and i don’t think we should be forced to tip for service. Americans don’t get paid anywhere near what Australians do for the same job hence the tip.

 

[EILEEN W]

We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below!

I will tip and generously, for good service by the staff either by adding it onto the space provided when I receive the bill, or else I will put cash into the staff tips jar. However I refuse to pay extra for shoddy, slack or too casual service, As a waitress in the UK back in the 60s, I relied on my tips to survive as the pay was negligible. I was tipped personally by the customers who would hand me cash. However today, here in Australia tipping is not compulsory and must not be if we want to ensure we receive great service all the time.

 

[Suestokes]

We’ve all been there… you dine out with a group of friends, share some great food and conversation, and then comes the moment of truth when the bill arrives.

Whether you divvy it up evenly or somebody gets stuck with the bill, you go to settle it up at the counter – only to find that there’s an extra service charge added on top of what was listed on the menu.

This can come as a pretty nasty surprise – especially if you’re not expecting it – which is why one Aussie diner decided to call out this infuriating restaurant trend on social media.

Sharing a photo of the receipt, the customer wrote: 'Shameless service charge (and no notification on the menu) in font half the size.'

It was claimed that the diner was not notified about the ‘surcharge’ and this extra $48 was added to the bill in a tiny font, making the eatery appear as ‘shady’ as possible.

The diner claimed that they were surprised to spot the surcharge on their receipt. Credit: Reddit.​

While the particular restaurant’s website does mention that groups of six or more will be charged an additional 10 per cent as a service charge, the diner questioned its motives as there was no reference to the said ‘surcharge’ on the menu.

Several fellow diners shared the same sentiments, taking to the social media platform with their grievances.

One user called out the restaurant for their 'sneaky' tactics, writing: 'Are the ‘service charges’ just a non-optional rebranding of tipping?'

'Like, I was under the impression that the cost of service was included in the price of the food and was thus why we don’t tip in Australia… But everyone and their dog seems to be doing it lately.'

'It is a growing trend. We need to ask before we order. I got slugged with an unknown service charge at a restaurant in Westfield Sydney this week. The waiter couldn't explain what it was for but it was obviously a forced tip,' another added.

A third chimed in: ‘And there is a spot to leave a tip… Unbelievable.’

'Yeah, that sh** is not on! It 100% has to be on the menu. I’d report it to the ACCC,' another recommended.

It was observed that there are actually two types of service charges – one where the money is distributed to the wait staff and another where the surcharge is added to the ‘table charge’ or the inclusive cost of the meals.

Some former restaurant employees tried to explain the system behind the tips. Credit: iStock.​

In response to the rants, several users who claimed to be former waiters descended on the thread, saying that the extra charge was fair for restaurants.

'Depending on the situation, this is fair IMO [in my opinion]. Working in the restaurants at Rosehill and Randwick Racecourses, we’d have two to four bartenders doing all the drinks for the 20-30 tables while the waitstaff only has a couple of tables each,' one wrote.

Another explained: 'Everything just went on to the table charge, and this could be a lot of drinks as there was a beverage package per head. Tips were pooled and split between all the staff, although sometimes waiters were tipped cash separately. All the tips were passed on to the staff though.'

Tipping is not usually a custom in Australian culture and is rather an adapted American practice.

In the U.S., it is customary to tip service workers such as waiters, bartenders, hairdressers, and valets. While tipping is not required in Australia, it is becoming more common, especially in major cities.

It seems that every day, another aspect of American culture is slowly creeping into Australian society. From the way we dress to the way we speak, it seems someday soon it’ll become difficult to tell the two cultures apart.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think adding a surcharge without informing customers is OK? Share them with us in the comments below!

As Australia has one of the highest wage rates in the world, the highest fir casual workers, I think it is poor form to expect to be paying a surcharge as well. Asking to pay a surcharge for public holidays is quite acceptable. It should also be made quite clear to patrons before they order their meals. More Americanism taking over!