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!

 

[Southmelbswans]

If they are being paid Australian award wages they are not entitled to charge a surcharge. and if they are not being paid Australian wages then the company is breaking the law and should be taken to court by the Fair work commission!!!!

 

[dabemu5570]

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!

tips in US make up the pay for waitstaff And can be quite lucrative but it is their only source of wage and as such is appropriate there but not in countries where ample wages apply and tips are optional this encourages going the' extra miles to speak

 

[Ronloby]

What a load of C**p. This is Australia not a part of Yankee land. If they are going to have a Service Charge then it should be on their adverts and menu with normal-size fonts not hidden. I don't agree with a service charge in Aussie land and never will.

 

[michaelcowan2]

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!

Having been in hospitality most of my working life, I am totally in disagreement of this Americanism, and developing trend here. Like most older people, I hate surprises and feeling, having been 'ripped-off'.

If particular waiting or bar staff deserved of a tip for exceptional service, that should be at the discretion of the two parties concerned, and not the management. Extra tariffs, and what they are for, should either be built into the cost of the dish ordered, or at least well displayed on the menu and throughout the premises.

I know that if I have had a bad experience at a restaurant, I just don't go back. Restaurant owners need to be reminded that in a competitive market, and where the customers have the upper hand, they end up missing out on repeat custom.

 

[Keswickian]

Tipping has been part of the culture in Europe and USA for decades so it is readily accepted. Some wait people get paid little or nothing by the establishment so tips are their main source of income.
In Australia it is double dipping because all staff are required to be paid at least a minimum wage. Tipping should be voluntary. Establishments should be required to declare a service charge on their website or menu.

 

[Macarj]

You would think they would be happy getting 6 or more diners and not charge 10 percent service if I have a good meal and good service I tip but a restaurant adding a charge like this I would not be going back

 

[freedy50]

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!

Originally coming from the UK, I thought it was a very good idea not having to leave a tip anywhere here after many years of being used to trying to work out how much money should be left as a tip.

However, I have seen a lot of menus here where it does state there will be a 10% surcharge on Sundays and public holidays.

 

[Mikeyboy2012]

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!

You expect it on public holidays...and it is indicated on the menu. But to charge an extra 10% at all times and not have it on the menu seems like a breach of Consumer Laws to me. The ACCC should become involved.

 

[Cher]

Surcharges
You may choose to add a fee or charge on prices such as a public holiday or credit card payment surcharge. If you do, the price you display must include any surcharge. If you're running a restaurant, café or bistro, the menu must state that a surcharge applies and on which days.
Surcharge disclosure signage should be clear, concise, and unobstructed to ensure that customers are fully aware and informed of your business policy.
Businesses can charge a surcharge for paying by card, but the surcharge must not be more than what it costs the business to use that payment type.
If a business charges a payment surcharge, it must be able to prove the costs it is based on.
If there is no way for a consumer to pay without paying a surcharge, the business must include the surcharge in the displayed price.

 

[hdhensel]

I am pleased that there is a small chorus of people voicing their anti-american feelings. But the American takeover is inevitable. I'm sure that you are in no doubt that Hollywood and the American culture has caused the decline in our society. It started in the late 1950's and gradually snowballed to the point where virtually every movie has a gun pulled within the first 5 minutes, violence is the norm, lying and cheating is taken for granted. Keep the American crap out !!! In the 50's and 60's in country Australia you could leave the car open and even leave the keys in the car without having to worry about theft. and all the daily shooting that occur in the US; why is that? Because that is what is played out on TV as soon as you turn it on. We in Australia have a contingent of mentally ill people; the US has nearly 15 times as many.

 

[glennm257]

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!

all cost should be included in the cost of meals/drinks not added on

 

[TheBear]

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!!!!!!

Originally coming from the UK, I thought it was a very good idea not having to leave a tip anywhere here after many years of being used to trying to work out how much money should be left as a tip.

However, I have seen a lot of menus here where it does state there will be a 10% surcharge on Sundays and public holidays.

That's because we had penalty rates - staff were paid extra for working on those days.

 

[Thecla]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR We are Australian!!!!!

 

[Yaz]

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!

 

[Yaz]

Hey guys thanks for warning me, I live in Melbourn and so far I have not experienced such an incident, I went out with my grandson and tipped the waitress and she so graciously went and placed it in the box stating tips, I will be once again celebrating my grandsons 21st birthday at one of the well known Italian restaurants and I will definitely be aware of the advice I have been given.

Thanks for letting me know.
Yasmin

 

[Kimwyatt5052]

It is very underhanded to add the extra surcharge if not stated on the bill. Australian staff are well paid and the cost of dining out is much more than in America. I will tip if the service warrants a tip but unfortunately service is sadly lacking these days

 

[Ashmenou]

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!!!!!!

Well said

 

[Senor]

I would be quite upset if I had to pay the surcharge. I would have told the owner that I am never coming back and I would not recommend anybody I know to go there. I have been to a few high-end restaurants and they have not included a surcharge which is really pleasing.
If the service is very good I do tip the staff a small amount but generally I don't tip. It is an Americanism creeping into our society and I don't want to be American. I am an Australian and would like Australia to stay Australian.

 

[Trevor21]

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 can't stand the fact that a restaurant would step that low in Aust. Mind you I ate at a restaurant in Paris, and they charged a service charge and before exiting was asked for a tip as well.

 

[Gezzar]

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!