10% Service Charge – Does it all add up?

Are you aware that some restaurants will make a 10% service charge on the price of your meal, no matter the size of the party or level of the service received? This charge is normally stated on the menu. If it is, there’s nothing you can do about it except pay up. Do you think that is fair – especially if you got a bad meal or grumpy waiter - to pay an additional 10%?  Surely a ‘tip’ is discretionary and left to the customer to give?

To make matters worse, some establishments also put a 10% Service Charge on the price of any drinks. In some circumstances, this contravenes the Jersey Licensing Law.

Tell us about your experiences – Let’s name and shame the places still doing this outdated practice!