Imagine enjoying a nice meal at a fancy restaurant, only to discover that a tip has been added to your bill without your consent.
That’s exactly what happened to a customer at Lana Dining, a high-end Italian restaurant in Sydney’s Circular Quay.
The Bill That Sparked Outrage
The customer had ordered 12 items, which came to a total of $221. But when they received the bill, they were shocked to see that a 7% gratuity had been added, taking the total to $236.45.
The customer took to Reddit to share their experience, sparking outrage among social media users. Many described the move as a “sneaky tactic” to extract more money from customers.
Is This the New Normal?
The customer noted that the 7% gratuity was mentioned on the menu, but only in very small print.
This has led many to wonder if this is becoming a new norm in Sydney’s fine dining scene.
But is it fair to automatically add a tip to a customer’s bill, or should it be left up to the customer to decide?
Social Media Users Weigh In
Many social media users were quick to express their outrage, with some calling it “underhanded” and “misleading.”
Others pointed out that tipping should be a choice, not something that’s forced on customers. Some even suggested that restaurants like Lana Dining should be “made famous” for their “scummy tactics.”
The US Influence
Some users noted that this practice is more common in the US, where the minimum wage is lower and tipping is expected.
However, in Australia, the minimum wage is higher, and tipping is not as expected. As one user pointed out, “This isn’t America, and they sure as hell better not try to add the cost without telling you.”
The Restaurant’s Response
Lana Dining has fired back at the criticism, claiming that the optional gratuity was clearly communicated to customers at multiple stages, including on their website, in the booking widget, and on the menu.
They also stated that the gratuity is used to reward their team for their hard work and to incentivize exceptional service.
Not Everyone is Convinced
Despite the restaurant’s response, many social media users remain unconvinced.
Some pointed out that the practice puts customers in an awkward position, making them feel like they’re being cheap if they ask to opt-out of the gratuity.
Others suggested that restaurants should just pay their staff a higher wage and incorporate that into the price of the meal.
Not an Isolated Incident
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. Another restaurant, Tilda, also owned by hospitality giant House Made Hospitality, has been accused of the same practice.
In fact, restaurants in Australia are permitted to add an automatic service charge or tip to their bills, but they must be transparent about the fee and provide customers with an option to opt-out.
Know Your Rights
So, what can you do if you’re presented with a bill that includes an automatic gratuity?
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, businesses must be transparent about optional charges and ensure customers are not misled.
Customers have the right to request the removal of any automatic gratuity before paying the bill. So, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for the charge to be removed if you’re not happy with it.