Given the proximity of Christmas and traditional dates corporate dinnersTHE General Directorate of Consumption of the Junta de Andalucía I wanted to recall several of the tricks used by the restaurants For inflate the account illegally. They can’t charge us for the reservation, we don’t have to pay for the service or cutlery and they can’t charge for the slices of bread we didn’t order. Consumers also stressed that the letter in QR format must be accompanied by a physical letter.
As for the reservationsIt is common for customers to notify in advance so that restaurants can guarantee them one or more tables on a certain date. The Council recalls that this reservation “cannot incur additional costs or in addition to the final price of what was consumed.
What establishments can do, underlines the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs, is ask for a quantity of money in advance to make the reservation, as a signal, but this amount must always be “deducted” from the “final price” of the account.
Another common trick is that some restaurants disguise a supplement for coverage or service. The Council warns that this practice it’s not legal because “both the service and the coverage are inherent to the service” provided by the establishment itself.
They are also not legal cards which are offered solely and exclusively by QR Codes. The premises must also have a physical letter. This new custom, reinforced after the pandemic, is one of those which most disturbs guests and which most affects elderly customers. “It’s illegal that the restaurant offers the consumer information about the menu only via QR codes. Reading these codes requires technology that not everyone needs to have,” says Consumo.
Furthermore, according to the regulations in force, the price meals, drinks and services offered must be displayed to the public through food and drink menus and/or price lists, although other media such as blackboards, wall paintings or similar may be used, who must display the information. in Spanish.
That is to say the use of QR code “can only be considered as a complementary system to the use of the above-mentioned means. And on the menu, all prices must appear complete, all taxes included (VAT). For off-the-menu products or any other product offered, the establishment must inform customers “in advance, clearly and visibly” of their prices.
Likewise, the costs for bread service, snacks and similar It is only legal when the establishment informs it in a “prior, clear and visible” manner and the product is included in the price list offered to guests. So now you know, there is no obligation for them to bring you bread without you asking and charge you if you eat it.
Another obligation of the establishment is to include in the accounts “a detail of each product consumed”. If there is different prices for eating at the table or on the terrace It must be informed in advance and must be mentioned in letters or prices as well as in any advertising media used. Furthermore, this price increase cannot be established as a percentage of the total bill, which is also illegal, but must be an invariable amount.
Finally, the Régie indicates that catering establishments – nor any business in general – are not obliged have the modality of card payment. This is just an additional option, although if offered, customers should be made aware of it. If accepted, it is illegal for the establishment to charge the consumer additional fees for using a specific credit or debit card. He cash paymentalways authorized, has a limit of 1,000 euros.
In any case, if you still have questions or if another arises later, the service site Consumption reacts includes a “large section” with the illegal practices which can be found in catering services. And any of them can be subject to claim or complaint before the competent consumer administration. The platform, promoted by the ministry, offers an information and advice service to consumers and users (free of charge and without fuss).
