The Economic Times

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi warns restaurants against service charge, says violators will face fines

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi warned restaurants against levying mandatory service charges. Establishments continuing this practice face stringent action and reputational damage. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has initiated action against forty-one restaurants nationwide. The Delhi High Court upheld guidelines prohibiting automatic service charges on bills. Consumers are urged to report such unfair trade practices to the ministry.