For many, holidays can mean good food, relaxation and perhaps a glass of something. If you are watching the pennies, as most people are, then all this holiday indulgence can cost. However, there are some restaurant features that travellers to Spain can enjoy and for which they don't have to pay for when dining out. It's worth knowing exactly what they are and when you do need to pay for them.
According to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) restaurants can't charge for certain things unless it is clearly specified on the menu. These including items such as sitting in a particular location, such as charging a terrace supplement, and, more surprisingly, there can even be items such as bread, appetizers and olives on the list of potential freebies, according to a report in the Express.
However, make sure you know the rules before you start a debate over the bill with the waiter. Below is what you need to know.
Water
First on the list is water. An essential, especially if you're visiting a country where the temperatures are high. Restaurants can't charge or refuse to give people free tap water, even if they think it doesn't taste good.
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Service charge
Bars and restaurants in Spain are not allowed to charge for table service or cutlery unless it is specified in the menu and customers are not required to leave a tip if they don't wish to do so.
Appetizer and bread
Nibbling on bread or olives with your drink while you wait for your food to arrive is a treat but unless you've specifically requested the items, it would appear that you can't be charged for them unless the price in indicated. The Spanish consumer rights organization explained some charges require the direct consent of the client, such as appetizers like olives, crisps, or bread.
The extra charge can't just be added to the bill, however, the appetizer can be charged if it has been requested and its price is indicated.
Sitting outside
Some restaurants charge a small supplement, often around one euro to two euros, to use the terrace. According to the Organization of Consumers and Users, supplements cannot be charged in bars and restaurants for terrace service, unless it is clearly indicated on the menu. Restaurants can set a minimum consumption or a maximum time on the terrace, but customers have to be correctly informed first.
Fish and seafood
Be aware that fish, meat and seafood priced on the menu according to the market must always include a price per kg. This is to allow customers to know the approximate final price.
Items off the menu
Finally, if a product is offered off the menu, its price must be informed, otherwise, the customers should pay the price of a similar dish on the menu. The prices on the menu should be final, with VAT included. If it is not included, it must be indicated.
The establishment must provide bags and boxes to the customers if they wish to take the rest of the food with them. However, they can charge for these as long as it is informed.
In case an advance payment is requested when holidaymakers book a table, that amount must be deducted from the final bill. The restaurant must always give a ticket detailing each of the items consumed.
In case holidaymakers have any issues at a restaurant they can ask for a claim form. If the establishment refuses to provide it, they can ask the police from that city or town to assist them. The Organization of Consumers and Users also recommended keeping the ticket and always taking a picture of the menu with the prices.
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