Your next holiday to Spain is about to get a bit cheaper
A meal on holiday shouldn’t bankrupt you(Image: Shared Content Unit)
If you’re dining out at a restaurant in Spain and feel like you’re being overcharged, it might not be because you forgot to check the prices, but because extra service charges have inflated the price. You may even be able to refuse payment for certain items.
This is because there are specific products and services that restaurants in Spain are not legally allowed to charge for. The Spanish Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) encourages customers to be aware of their rights while on holiday in Spain.
For instance, some items, such as bread and olives, are usually complimentary. Additionally, there are strict regulations regarding how certain items must be priced.
A few years ago, a Spanish gastropub sparked outrage online after charging customers each time a waiter was summoned to their table. Charges ranged from 20 cents to one euro, depending on the tasks requested.
While many found this practice bizarre, the bar owner defended it as a common practice in that region, stating, “We charge for each service. Every time a drink is served to you on the terrace, there’s a surcharge. It’s perhaps easier to have a full price, but we believe it’s better for you to know what you are paying, and we feel it’s an appreciation on your part.”
According to Spain’s OCU, this practice is only allowable if it is clearly specified on the restaurant’s menu. Here are other items and services that cannot be charged while dining in Spain:
Appetisers: Charges for items like olives, crisps, or bread require the customer’s consent. While it is common for restaurants to serve these items alongside drinks, they can only charge for them if they are specifically requested and their prices are clearly indicated by the staff or on the menu.
Terrace Charges: Some establishments may charge a small supplement for using their terrace area. However, such charges can only apply if they are clearly stated on the menu.
Tap water: Restaurants cannot charge for providing free tap water and must serve it even if they deem it unpalatable.
Table Service and Cutlery: Unless specified on the menu, restaurants in Spain cannot charge for table service or the use of cutlery. Customers are also not obligated to leave a customary tip if they choose not to.
Market-Price Items: Fish, meat, and seafood listed on a restaurant’s menu according to market prices must include a price per kilogram. This transparency allows consumers to anticipate the final cost.
Off-Menu Products: If a product not listed on the menu is offered, the price must be communicated at that time. If not, customers should pay the price of a similar item listed on the menu.
Menu Pricing: Menu prices must be final and include VAT. If VAT is not included, this must be indicated clearly.
Doggy Bags: Restaurants must provide bags and boxes for customers wishing to take leftovers home, although they can charge for these materials if previously informed.
Advance Payments: If an establishment requests an advance payment when a table is booked, this amount must be deducted from the final bill.
Being informed about these rights can help ensure a better dining experience while enjoying your time in Spain. And always remember to read the menu!