Bread, ice or the terrace supplement: the OCU reveals the things that bars cannot charge for without warning

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Can restaurants charge an extra for ice or bread? And not include VAT in their prices?

The

has published on its website a series of tips to prevent bars and restaurants from charging you for items for which they cannot.

In the first place, they clarify that

, so that each establishment can set the price it wants for the same product, but it is mandatory that the price is duly reflected in the establishment's price chart.

Things they can't charge you for

Although sometimes in the account you may be surprised that

in the price of the dishes, it is not legal.

As the OCU clarifies, national legislation does not allow this practice, not even when they put 'VAT not included' on the menu.

Thus, the prices of the letter must already include VAT.

Likewise, it is not legal to charge for

In the latter case, what is allowed (and is usually done in the case of large meals, renowned restaurants or designated dates) is to charge an amount in advance as a reservation, but then they must deduct it from the total amount of the dinner or food. And, in the event that the reason for the cancellation is that a diner has coronavirus or has been in contact with a positive, the restaurant must consider the option of cancellation and reimbursement due to force majeure, according to this body.

But ... Can you

instead of indoors? According to the OCU, this common practice is legal, but the premises that do it must clearly inform in advance and clarify how much they will be overcharged for consuming abroad. Also, it should always appear on the invoice.

It is also common for some locals to

.

In both cases it is legal, but they must indicate the price in the letter or the price list.

And, in the case of bread, the price must detail if it is per person or per unit (in the latter case they recommend being aware that they will be able to charge per piece each time they put a new one).

And the same happens with tap water, they can only charge it if they detail it in the price list.

Something similar happens with ice.

For the OCU, charging an extra for an ice cube in the cafe, for example, is "as abusive as if they charged you for using the dishes."

But, in any case, if the establishment decides, it must indicate on the menu the cost of the product with and without ice.

Tips to avoid surprises

The OCU ensures that, in the case of

, although it is not the most common, when an establishment offers them, even if it is out loud, it should indicate their price.

"If it is not like that and they intend to charge you an amount that you consider abusive, you could refuse to pay it and propose to abandon the amount of a similar product that is in the letter," they assure on their website.

And, in the case of products in which it indicates "price according to market" or "price according to weight" (usual in the case of meat, fish or shellfish), they must indicate a reference weight and price.

For example, the cost of every 100 grams of product, so that the consumer can get an idea.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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