Customer fumes after restaurant demands they pay 25% extra on Bank Holidays

A restaurant has been slammed for allegedly applying a 25% surcharge to customers on Bank Holidays.

Andonis Cafè & Bar in Yeronga, Brisbane, has a menu that states it charges 25% extra on public holidays.

In addition there appears to be a 7% split bill surcharge when paying at the register.

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A snap of the menu was shared on Reddit on Queensland’s Labour Day public holiday on May 1.

The social media user asked: "How much is too much for a public holiday surcharge?"

They asked the question to draw attention to the 25% charge, which would have meant the barramundi dish, which was priced at $28.30, came in close to $36 (£28.77).

There also appeared to be a split bill surcharge that applied in some circumstances too.

"Even if I’m not split billing, f**k any place that charges extra for split billing, ESPECIALLY 7% JFC, how are people not more upset about that part," one person replied.

Another added: "I’m more annoyed by the 7% for split bill. F**k these people."

Meanwhile, a third added: "Well that’s higher than normal, but why is there a 7% surcharge for splitting the bill? It takes like an extra 30 seconds tops."

According to news.com.au, a spokesperson for the eatery has since claimed the social media outrage has led to them axing the split bill charge.

It said the team understands the concerns surrounding the cost applied.

The spokesperson told the publication: "We understand the importance of transparency and want to provide further details on these matters.

"As a small business operating in the hospitality sector, staying open on public holidays presents growing challenges, including inflation, rising costs of ingredients and supplies and other operational expenses.

"The 25% public holiday surcharge enables us to only just cover these additional costs and pay our employees fairly under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020, which includes penalty rates.

"This surcharge applies only to the 14 public holiday days a year. We cannot justify raising prices year-round to cover these costs, as it would negatively impact our customers on the remaining 342 days."

The spokesperson also explained the split bill charge was applied to cover things such as merchant fees and fraud prevention fees.

It was noted it can also help to avoid delays at the register.

They added: "We understand the concerns regarding the split bill surcharge and would like to emphasise that we offer alternative solutions to accommodate our customers’ needs.

"Firstly, patrons have the option to consolidate their payment into a single bill, which would not incur any surcharge.

"Secondly, we provide an online ordering app that allows customers to order and pay without the split bill surcharge.

"This user-friendly app not only rewards customers with loyalty points on every purchase, which outweigh the card transaction fees, but also ensures a swift and accurate ordering process for their convenience with no need to queue in line to pay after service."

It was highlighted information is included on menus to offer transparency to customers.

The spokesperson continued: "Our commitment is to provide a welcoming space for our loyal patrons, where you can enjoy delicious food, attentive service, and a pleasant ambience with loved ones.

"We are dedicated to constant improvement and development, and we thank everyone for their feedback and support in our growth."