Spanish restaurants can charge extra for sunny tables, but there's a catch
Andalucía has published a series of rules for bars and restaurants relating to pricing, tips and payment methods
Much to the annoyance of customers, the Andalucían government has decreed that it is absolutely legal for bars and restaurants to charge patrons more for tables in the sun, as long as they are completely upfront about the extra cost. The decision comes after a Sevilla establishment caused uproar on social media for tacking on a pricey charge for what it called its “premium tables” – seats with a view in a sunny corner.
Essentially, the Consumer Affairs Department of the government specified that restaurants can set different prices for sitting at a particular table or on the terrace, but this must be expressly stated on the menu, price list, website or any other advertising medium the business uses.
Regarding the terrace service, the spokesperson for the Facua consumer association, Rubén Sánchez, has clarified that businesses with the so-called premium tables on public land, for example, "cannot charge 10 euros to sit on the terrace”.
However, there’s a loophole, since restaurants can "charge more for each dish for terrace service," as long as this is made clear to customers.
Furthermore, Mr Sánchez has pointed out that "a different price can be charged for service at an indoor table or on a terrace, because it can be understood that it is a different concept and that each dish should have a higher price." Thus, he pointed out that "once you are sitting on a terrace on public land" you cannot ask for a higher price "depending, for example, on the views you have."
"It would be profiting from land that is not your property," he stated.
The government took the opportunity to remind restaurant establishments about other illegal practices that could lead to complaints or penalties. These practices relate to menu prices, tips, reservations, invoicing and payment methods.
One key point was that menu information cannot be offered solely through QR codes, as not everyone has a smartphone or device that can read them. Therefore, food and drink menus must be displayed on site.
Other practices prohibited by the government include charging extra for service, charging for bread, tapas or similar items without prior notification, and refusing to accept cash payment. Credit card usage cannot incur additional fees.
Likewise, the bar or restaurant cannot force you to purchase only bottled water, but must offer free tap water as an alternative. The authorities have also stressed that leaving a tip "is a voluntary decision, never an obligation."
In other news: British tourist drowns as storms continue to ravage Spain
Image: Pixabay
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