Restaurants may not add a surcharge (extra charge) to the food or beverage prices listed on the menu.
Restaurants may charge a bona fide service charge, but the charge must be clearly disclosed before you order food.
Acceptable service charges include:
- Charge to split a single meal on multiple plates
- Minimum per person charge
- Mandatory gratuity for parties of eight or more
What Happens Next
If you don't include your address or email with your Service Request, you won't receive follow up. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will consider your complaint a tip.
If you include your address, DCWP will mail you a complaint form. You must complete and return it to DCWP. If you provide your email address, you'll get the form by email instead. Check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox.
