Penalties on the way for restaurants reflecting banned service charges in prices!

The Ministry of Trade has taken action following complaints on social media that "restaurant prices were increased after the abolition of mandatory tips and cover charges." Inspections revealed that some restaurants, despite the official removal of the service charge, continued to collect these fees from customers by incorporating them into their menu prices.

PRICE LIST MISSING, REASONING FOR INCREASE DISPUTED

During the inspection, it was determined that one establishment did not have an up-to-date price list on the tables or at the entrance of the restaurant. Restaurant officials claimed that before the service charge was banned, a service priced at 15 thousand liras was offered with an additional 12 percent service fee, and that after this practice ended, they raised the price to 16 thousand 500 liras, with the difference being paid to the staff.

UNFAIR COMMERCIAL PRACTICE ASSESSMENT

The Ministry announced that collecting service charges from consumers through such methods would be considered an unfair commercial practice and constitutes an unfair price increase. It was reported that the documents prepared with the information obtained in this context would be forwarded to the Unfair Price Evaluation Board, and as a result of the investigation, the business could face an administrative fine of up to 1 million 860 thousand 170 liras within the framework of Law No. 6585.

DETAILS IN MENUS CONTRARY TO REGULATIONS

During the inspection, it was also determined that details such as the absence of the Turkish Lira (TL) sign on the alcoholic beverage menu and the failure to specify price change dates were contrary to the Price Label Regulation. It was stated that administrative action was also taken against the business for this reason.

CLEAR MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTRY: NO TOLERANCE

In a statement made by the Ministry of Trade, it was emphasized that there will be absolutely no tolerance for the indirect collection of service charges, cover charges, or similar fees that have been abolished by laws and regulations, and that punitive actions will be decisively applied against businesses that act in violation of the legislation.

News Source: 12punto