In a statement, the Consumers and Users Organisation recalled that practices such as “market-based pricing” or charging supplements for services or covered items and others without prior notice are prohibited.
Beach bars and beach bars are a classic during the summer in Euskadi. However, sometimes we can be surprised by the bill when it is time to pay. The Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) of the Basque Country has warned against “abuse” in this type of establishment. Thus, it recalled that practices such as “market prices” or charging surcharges for services or covered items and others without prior notice are prohibited.
In a statement, the OCU said that the “majority” of beach bars and catering establishments in beach areas “they work with quality and respect for consumer rights, but among so many offers and business opportunities, there is no shortage of people trying to make money from unacceptable and illegal practices.
Basque beach bar practices
The Consumer and User Organization warns in particular against certain forms of use, such as display on the maps of the “s/m prices” (according to the market)which “usually hide unpleasant surprises when receiving the bill.” This practice, common and widespread in the hospitality industry, is “explicitly forbidden in our system, and the consumer may refuse to pay the price thus indicated, demanding that the price of a similar product reflected in the menu be applied,” he stressed.
The same thing happens with the service charges or coveredas an indefinite concept, which must be considered included in the price of the drinks.” Another thing is the charge for bread, bagels, snacks or accessories that appear duly informed on the menu, even if they border on the ridiculous, such as the charge for ice in drinks, milk for coffee or even hot water for tea,” he noted, indicating that in these cases, despite the fact that OCU considers it a bad practice, “it could not be argued that it is illegal.”
recommendations
OCU Euskadi has recalled that the prices of the menus must be final, inclusive of taxes, and must reflect whether there is a surcharge for consumption on the terrace or in a specific area.
He also indicated that you should always ask for the ticket or invoicewhere all billed concepts should appear broken down, and if any anomaly or abuse is discovered, request and complete the Claim sheetwhere you can express your complaint.
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
