Archive · 21 Jul 2026
CCPA Cracks Down on Restaurants for Automatic Service Charges
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) in India is taking action against restaurants that automatically add a service charge to customers' bills.
This practice is seen as unfair because customers should have the choice to pay the service charge or not.
The CCPA has penalized several restaurants, including Chaayos and Barbeque Nation, for adding the charge without asking customers first.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has emphasized that service charge should be voluntary and not forced.
Customers can complain if they find the charge added to their bills by calling the National Consumer Helpline at 1915.
The CCPA wants restaurants to be transparent and respect consumer rights.
CCPA is cracking down on restaurants for automatically adding service charge to bills.
41 restaurants, including Chaayos and Barbeque Nation, have been penalized.
Service charge should be optional and not mandatory according to consumer protection laws.
Customers can complain about automatic service charges by calling the National Consumer Helpline at 1915.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasizes that service charge should be voluntary and not forced.
- Who
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
- What
- Crackdown on restaurants for automatically adding service charge to bills
- When
- Recent (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Bengaluru, India
- Why
- To ensure consumer rights and fair billing practices
Restaurants
CCPA and Consumers
Automatic Service Charge
Restaurants
Service charge is a standard practice to cover operational costs and ensure fair wages for staff.
CCPA and Consumers
Service charge should be optional and not automatically added to bills without customer consent.
- Action Initiated By
- Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
- Number of Restaurants Targeted
- 41
- Notable Restaurants Penalized
- Chaayos, Barbeque Nation, L’Opera French Bakery Private Limited
- Consumer Helpline Number
- 1915
- Union Minister for Consumer Affairs
- Pralhad Joshi