When visiting Spain, there are some loopholes that some British holidaymakers may be unaware they have access to, that could save you a few quid.
According to ChronicleLive, there are some items and services in the country of Spain that restaurants cannot legally charge their overseas patrons for. The Spanish Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) has urged customers to be aware of their consumer rights when travelling abroad, as there are certain foods establishments are required to give out for free.
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Foods like bread and olives are legally required to be a complementary gift to the table, and additionally there are products that must be priced carefully and specifically, to abide by certain rules.
This revelation sparked outrage after a Spanish gastropub was put on blast online after apparently choosing to charge customers each time they requested a waiter's attention.
The charges ranged from a mere 20 cents per occasion, but could be bumped up to one euro, dependant on the tasks given to the staff - according to one disgruntled customer. While many online found this rule to be a bizarre 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 not legal unless it has been specified on the menu of the restaurant. Listed below are six other items and services you cannot be charged for while dining in restaurants in Spain.
Appetisers and bread
The OCU has explained that some charges require the consent of the restaurant, such as appetisers like bread, olivers or crisps. In common practice, most restaurants serve olives and bread with opening drinks as customers decide their order.
However, some restaurant-goers may find an additional charge for this added to their bill. But, the appetiser can only be charged on the final tab if it has been requested by the customer, and the price of said titbit is indicated by staff on the main menu.
Sitting outside
Some restaurants can charge a small supplement fee to use terrace areas in their establishments. However, according to the Organisation 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 are legally obliged to provide free tap water, and cannot refuse the customer - even if they claim it doesn't taste as good as bottled water.
Service charges
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, some meats and seafood that are priced on a restaurant menu must also be priced per kilogram as well. This is to allow customers to know the approximate final price of the meal.
Off-menu items
If an off-menu item is offered to the customer, the price must be informed at the table there and then, and if not, then the customer should pay the price of a similar dish listed on the menu. The price on the menu, if used, must be the final cut-off, VAT included.
If VAT is excluded from the menu price, then it must be indicated, in accordance with the OCU.
Also, the restaurant is obliged to provide bags and boxes to customers if they wish to take leftovers home, but they can charge for these if it has been mentioned prior to the request.
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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