If you're eating out at a restaurant in Spain, and feel as if you are being ripped off - then you may be able to refuse payment for certain products.
This is because some items and/or services in Spain that restaurants cannot legally charge you for.
The Spanish Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) urges customers to be aware of their rights when visiting the sunny country on holidays abroad, as there are certain foods like bread and olives, which usually must be complementary. On top of this, there are additionally items which must be priced in a careful and specific manner, abiding by rules set out.
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The Daily Record explains that this revelation comes recently after a Spanish gastropub sparked outrage online, after apparently choosing to charge customers each time a waiter was beckoned to their table. The charges ranged from 20 cents per occasion, but can be as much as one Euro, depending on what tasks were given to waiters - according to one customer.
While many internet users found this to be a bizarre and strange practice, business owners claimed that it is commonplace for that region of Spain. The bar owner said: “The waiter charges for each service. Every time a drink is served to you on the terrace, it carries a surcharge of 20x perhaps it is easier to put a full price, but we believe that it is better you know what you pay and, we feel this is your appreciation.”
According to Spain's OCU, this practice is forbidden unless it is specified on the menu of said restaurant - reports the Express. Here are other items and services that you cannot be charged for while dining at restaurants in Spain.
Appetisers and bread
The OCU explained that some charges require the direct consent of their client, such as appetisers like olives, crisps, or bread. In common practice, most restaurants serve olives and bread with drinks while customers wait for their food, but sometimes they will find an additional charge for this added to the bill.
The appetiser can only be charged if it has been requested by customers, and the price of said snack is indicated by staff or the menu.
Sitting outside
Some establishments will charge a small supplement to use the terrace area of their restaurant. According to the Organization of Consumers and Users, these cannot be charged in bars and restaurants, unless clearly indicated on the menu.
Restaurants can set a minimum consumption threshold or maximum time limit allowed on the terrace, however, customers must be directly informed prior.
Water
Restaurants cannot charge for giving people free tap water. They also cannot refuse, even if they believe it doesn't taste good.
Service charge
Unless specified on the menu, restaurants in Spain are prohibited from charging for table service or cutlery - and customers do not have to leave an customary tip should they not wish to do so.
Fish and seafood
Fish, meat and seafood priced on a restaurant's menu according to the market must always include a price per kg. This is to allow consumers to know the approximate final price.
Items off the menu
If an off-menu product is offered, the price must be informed there and then - otherwise customers should pay the price of a similar dish listed on the menu. The price on the menu should also be final, with VAT included.
If VAT is excluded from the menu price, then it must be indicated according to the OCU.
Everything else
The establishment must also provide bags and boxes to customers should they wish to take a doggy bag home with them, but they can charge for these if it is informed prior.
In the case of an advance payment being requested when a table is booked, the amount must also be deducted from the final bill.
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