Service charge cannot be added automatically in food bill, reiterates govt; fines restaurants

The Central Consumer Protection Authority imposed fine of up to ₹50,000 on 27 restaurants located across India for violation of consumer rights and adoption of unfair trade practices. The CCPA reiterated no hotel or restaurant shall add service charge automatically or by default in food bill. The restaurants included Café Blue Bottle, Patna, and China Gate Restaurant (Bora Bora), Mumbai.