[we don’t charge for bread, “cover charge”, or service
but if you leave a tip we won’t be angry!]
Something I am frequently asked by visitors (and some locals) is why they are being charged for bread or olives that they didn’t order and that were placed on the table when they sat down. They also want to know about that 1€ (or more!) PER PERSON “service charge” they find added to their bills? Is it a tip for staff? Or what??
Unfortunately this repugnant practice began about 10 years ago. I speak here about Sevilla but I know this is also rampant throughout a lot of Andalucía and in other parts of Spain. But not only is it a nasty policy, it is also illegal, at least in Andalucía. It is basically an easy way for bars and restaurants to make more money without having to do anything at all. Think of it like an “admission fee”. Deplorable, really.
It is not allowed for bars or restaurants to charge for any food item that is not listed on the menu with a price, and that was not ordered by the customer. Likewise, they are not allowed to charge for anything that is NOT A FOOD ITEM. So, that means any type of service charge, use of the toilets, and also tap water.
So if you decide you want to order a basket of bread for 6 euros (and why would you?) of course you are obliged to pay for it. But if you are brought a basket of bread to your table of six people and then are charged 6 euros, and even if you eat it, this charge is not legal and you are not obliged to pay. Same if you are charged 6 euros for “service”. Some places charge up to 2€ PER PERSON or more for “bread/service”. Like I say, they saw a window of opportunity to make money for nothing, and they took it. What’s unfortunate is that many customers either don’t realise this is illegal and they are not obliged to pay, and even those who do know prefer not to make a fuss. They pay up but end up leaving with a bad taste in their mouths.
So what happens when you find this on your bill? Just call your waiter over and ask them to remove the charge. You can remind them that you didn’t order the bread, or that it is not legal to charge for service in Andalucía. Usually this is enough to have the extra charge removed. If they get shirty and if you are up for it, ask for the Complaints Book and make an official written complaint, which will be seen by the pertinent government body. For the record, the “service charge” is not a gratuity for the staff, it goes straight into the owner’s pocket.
If you want to know more here are two blog posts I wrote about this practice and the damage it does to our culture here in Andalucía. It is also why I am now known as Shawn of the Bread. 😉