07/09/2026
Don’t let bars and restaurants rip you off with 10% service fee, it is not legal, even if clearly indicated.
( A Tip is always a customer choice )
The price reflected on menu’s and advertising should be the price you pay including VAT.
( Facebook add, R200 for Steak and a B**r, you go to the venue because of the add but the bill comes you pay R220. False and Misleading information prohibited by the CPA and ARB)
An extra 10% service charge is therefore false advertising as service fee should always be included in the price and not forced on you once you enter the venue.
The reason restaurants do this is to try and get around the Labour Law as they need to pay their staff, at least minimum wage, instead they use your 10% to do so.
( Minimum wage or commission to waiting staff from the venue is the law, and if the commission is less than minimum wage the restaurant needs to supplement it from own pocket and not service charges )
Pay your staff - It's the law - an illegal serves charge and tips is not a salary or commission, customers don't pay waiting staff owners do.
It’s becoming the norm in some places and owners are exploiting customers and staff as they not aware of the legalities.
The president was set in court December 2024 when a restaurant chain was fined
R1 000 000 for illegally adding a 10% service charge.
All restaurants owners know this but chose to ignore as they think the customers ignorance is their advantage.
Highlighting the 10% service charge is them just pointing out to you that it’s not legal what they are doing.
Don’t just complain about it, let’s put a stop to it, report these places to the National Consumer Commission and the Advertising Regulatory Board is the only way to irradiate the problem and keep venue owners liable.
Keep your eyes open a lot more places than you realize puts this illegal charge on your bill.
Your welcome