We were discussing this on another thread...
https://broadband.forum/politics/71612-anna-hazares-dream-corruption-free/82/#post537351
Here is a good article from Akosha on the same.
Eating At Restaurants Turns
“Service Charge” a.k.a. forced tip
Now, let us proceed to the more dubious question of “service charges”. These charges work like a mandatory tip. Restaurants normally apply these to ensure that their working staffs have enough incentive (or just to extract more from you). This practice is rather prevalent in the mid-range & high-range restaurants in and around the Delhi-NCR region (probably the disease has spread to all metros).
Is this legal? Can I refuse to pay service charge?
Before we answer this, remember, if there is service charge on the bill, there is absolutely NO obligation to pay a tip. This practice has apparently been borrowed from the West.
The legal position regarding the validity of this practice is not clear. However, one viewpoint is that it is illegal. Legally, if eating at a restaurant is understood in contractual terms, the terms and conditions are present in the menu card, and most restaurants clearly mention the imposition of an extra service charge in its menu card. So, they can technically argue that you agreed to pay for it. However, if there is no such mention of a service charge in the menu or in the restaurant, you can legally refuse to pay that amount. Service charge, unlike the VAT or Service Tax, is not your duty to the government, but a restaurant policy. However, if the imposition of Service charge is clearly communicated by the restaurant, via its menu or otherwise, then the restaurants are entitled to include this amount when calculating your sub-total for service tax purposes.
If you received terrible service, it is always a good idea to try to get it removed. Some restaurants will oblige; some won’t. But worth trying.
https://broadband.forum/politics/71612-anna-hazares-dream-corruption-free/82/#post537351
Here is a good article from Akosha on the same.
Eating At Restaurants Turns
“Service Charge” a.k.a. forced tip
Now, let us proceed to the more dubious question of “service charges”. These charges work like a mandatory tip. Restaurants normally apply these to ensure that their working staffs have enough incentive (or just to extract more from you). This practice is rather prevalent in the mid-range & high-range restaurants in and around the Delhi-NCR region (probably the disease has spread to all metros).
Is this legal? Can I refuse to pay service charge?
Before we answer this, remember, if there is service charge on the bill, there is absolutely NO obligation to pay a tip. This practice has apparently been borrowed from the West.
The legal position regarding the validity of this practice is not clear. However, one viewpoint is that it is illegal. Legally, if eating at a restaurant is understood in contractual terms, the terms and conditions are present in the menu card, and most restaurants clearly mention the imposition of an extra service charge in its menu card. So, they can technically argue that you agreed to pay for it. However, if there is no such mention of a service charge in the menu or in the restaurant, you can legally refuse to pay that amount. Service charge, unlike the VAT or Service Tax, is not your duty to the government, but a restaurant policy. However, if the imposition of Service charge is clearly communicated by the restaurant, via its menu or otherwise, then the restaurants are entitled to include this amount when calculating your sub-total for service tax purposes.
If you received terrible service, it is always a good idea to try to get it removed. Some restaurants will oblige; some won’t. But worth trying.