Pubgoers have united in opposition to automatic service charges on drinks brought at the bar, after it emerged boozers are introducing them
David O’Dornan and James Caven
16:07, 21 Aug 2025Updated 16:07, 21 Aug 2025
You’ve had your say – and you’re not happy(Image: Getty Images)
Daily Star readers have taken a shot at automatic service charges on drinks brought at the bar. Our online poll showed punters overwhelmingly reject the barmy automatic tip at some London boozers.
The survey showed widespread opposition to the trend as it emerged even more pubs are introducing the hated fee. A whopping 99% oppose having to pay an automatic service charge for when they order at the counter. Just 1% believe it should be imposed, as “bar staff are still offering a service” – even if you have to carry your drinks back to your table yourself.
It follows reports that the Well and Boot in London’s Waterloo station, run by Glendola, has been adding on a 4% charge to any drink ordered at the bar. A sign states that the charge is “optional” but that it will be “automatically added” to every bill. Customers must object to have it removed.
The move has sparked outrage since it emerged earlier this week. One drinker said: “That makes no sense. You’re paying for the pint anyway. The pint’s already taxed. So basically you’re just being taxed twice now for a pint, which is unacceptable.”
Another raged: “The price of beer and alcohol generally has just shot through the roof over five to 10 years, and to suddenly add 4% for no good reason – particularly if you’re sitting at the bar and you’re virtually self-serving it – I just don’t think it’s on.”
Britain’s favourite budget pub chain also weighed in on Wednesday to vow its watering holes would not be following suit. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “Wetherspoon does not add a service charge for drink or food – the company has no intention of doing so.”
And Good Morning Britain host Adil Ray slammed the worrying new service charge trend in a telly debate. He said: “They say it’s optional, but it’s not. Imagine you’re at the bar, there’s a queue behind you.
“And you’re the one to go, ‘sorry, I don’t want to pay this’. And they’ve got to adjust the price. It’s a bit embarrassing. You haven’t got the option really.”
It has now been revealed that nine watering holes run by the same pub chain across the capital have introduced the same levy that’s in the Well and Boot. An investigation by London Centric revealed they include The World’s End in Camden, The Fox in Shoreditch, The Lansdowne in Primrose Hill and Barley Mow in Westminster. The others are Crown & Anchor in Covent Garden, Prince Alfred in Bayswater and two boozers in the West End, Waxy O’Connor’s and Waxy’s Little Sister.
The Daily Star has approached Glendola for comment.