Have you ever found unrequested appetizers on your restaurant bill, or been charged for ice or a glass of water? Understanding the rules applicable to various establishments can help ensure you are not overcharged or misled.
“If you find unrequested starters on the restaurant bill, you cannot complain. If not interested, alert the waiter,” advises DECO PROTeste, which has published a guide to clear up main doubts and concerns on this topic.
Can food not consumed be charged?
According to the consumer protection organization, “the price list must state: ‘No dish, food product or drink, including the couvert, can be charged if not requested or consumed by the customer,'” noting that in this context, “consumed” means utilized in a way that it cannot be served to other customers.
However, “once the starters ordered by the customer arrive at the table, they cannot be exchanged or returned.”
Furthermore, “placing appetizers on the table that the customer did not request or bringing a new bottle to fill an empty glass are aggressive commercial practices by many restaurants. If uninterested, the customer can alert the staff to remove the items.”
What should be on the price list?
According to DECO PROTeste, “the name, the operating entity, type of establishment, and maximum capacity should be displayed prominently.”
Additionally, “information about any mandatory minimum consumption in places like bars or dance venues should also be clearly visible from outside.”
“The price list must include all dishes, food products, and drinks provided by the establishment, including the couvert. All prices should be fully mentioned (for example, with VAT and in euros), so consumers know exactly what to pay. The list should also include all services and fees charged by the restaurant,” explains DECO PROTeste.
It is also important to know that “you only pay for what you order or consume”: “No charge, minimum consumption, price, or any other amount relating to goods or services not used by the consumer at the restaurant is allowed. If such a charge (like a waste fee) is demanded, the legality of the fee can be questioned.”
Can restaurants charge for ice in drinks? And for glasses of water?
“Restaurants or beverage outlets can charge for ice (or lemon, for example) accompanying certain drinks, but only if the price is explicitly mentioned in the price list. The charge should be indicated for any extras,” notes the consumer protection organization.
Regarding water, “in the hospitality sector (e.g., restaurants, cafes, or bars), it is mandatory to have tap water and sanitized non-disposable glasses available for customers.”
This water “is intended for consumption on the premises and is provided to customers using the establishment’s services,” while “restaurants are not required by law to provide free water to non-consuming patrons.”
“The provision of water must be free, with no charge allowed, even if it is less than the cost of bottled water,” concludes DECO PROTeste.
