Service charges on the bill: what to know

A service charge is an amount a place adds to your bill for service, instead of leaving it to you to tip. It is usually shown as a line near the bottom. If it is there, read what it covers and ask where it goes if you want to know. If it is not there, any tip is up to you.

How to spot one

Read the menu and the bill. A service charge may be stated at the bottom of the menu, or on the bill as a separate line. Some places add it for all tables, others only for groups above a certain size. If you cannot see one, ask.

How it differs from a tip

A tip is your choice. A service charge is the place's decision. If a service charge is added, you have paid for service already and do not need to add a tip on top, unless you want to reward exceptional service. Our guide to tipping in Ireland explains the wider custom.

Where it goes

Places handle service charges differently. Some pass it on to staff, others use it to cover wages generally. If you want to know, ask politely. A good place will tell you.

When it appears

Service charges are more common for large groups, set menus and events. If you book for a big table, ask in advance whether one will apply.

What to check

• Is the charge shown on the menu or only on the bill?
• Does it apply to the food only, or to drinks as well?
• Is it optional?
• Is there an extra place to add a tip on the card machine?

If you are unhappy

If the service was poor, speak to the manager at the time. Many places will adjust or remove the charge if there was a genuine problem. Do not argue with the server; ask for the person in charge.

Splitting the bill

If you are splitting, ask whether the service charge will be split too. Make this clear before the bill arrives.

Cards and tips

When you pay by card, the machine may ask you to add a tip. If a service charge is already on the bill, you can press no.

A worked example

Suppose a group of eight has dinner and the bill shows a service charge. Check that it is clearly labelled and that it is not repeated in the card machine's tip prompt. If you are happy with the service, pay as it stands. If you are not, speak to the manager politely and say what went wrong. If the place agrees, the charge may be adjusted. Keep the conversation calm and specific.

Why places add one

A place may add a service charge so that tips are shared fairly among staff, or so that the bill is simple for a large group. It can be a good system when it is clear. It becomes a problem when it is hidden or doubled. Reading the bill takes ten seconds and avoids both.

Planning a group booking

If you are organising a group meal, ask about service charge when you book, so that you can tell your guests. Our guide to planning a work Christmas meal shows how to plan.