To not want to pay service charge in advance?

[Campurp]

My husband is having a ‘big birthday’ in August and I am planning a dinner with 30 of our closest friends and family.

I found a restaurant, booked a private room and today received an email from their booking manager. She has sent me the contract and has asked for half of the minimum spend - which is £1500 in total- now, and the remainder due a week before the event.

Here is my AIBU- on the bill they have added the service charge which is touted as being ‘discretionary’. This means that I’ll be paying it up front, prior to any service actually being received!

I always pay a service charge when out, but I can’t help but feel that this is cheeky. I want to reply to her email asking her to remove the service charge, and tell her that I will pay it after said service has been received... AIBU?

Nope, you are definitely nbu to ask, and would definitely have right on your side, but as the numbers mean that the service charge is not discretionary, they may say no.

However, why is a tip compulsory for over a certain number? Surely bad service shouldn't be rewarded regardless.

Have you invited them -august may lead to many declines.

In certain restaurants a service charge is compulsory once you have over 6 or 8 people. Each restaurant has their own number for this. It is just added on.

For big groups this is totally the norm. A bit like a wedding party, there’s a lot of demand for ongoing attention!

I understand that it’s added. I don’t mind paying it, I just have an issue with being charged an additional 12.5% ( or whatever it is) prior to being served anything.

@Notanotherflightdelay yes, I’ve spoken to the family & friends to ensure they will be around

@RunningAwaywiththeCircus I get that, but then they should change it to compulsory, not discretionary. As I said, I’m happy to pay it but that’s nearly £200 added to an advanced bill and I think it’s quite cheeky.

I’m going to point it out via email and see what she says. She sent me a very long document with t&c’s... this isn’t mentioned so I don’t think it’s rude of me to request for it to be removed.

I’ll see what she says!

Perhaps you could offer half of the service charge, seeing as functions are an actually pain in the fucking arse for staff to deal with, in regards to running around like a cock, the organisation etc. I don't believe in tips generally (the house should pay the staff properly imo) but if you want to ensure the staff are getting compensated for extra effort, you could agree to 100 pounds upfront.
If they do an excellent job and everything went well then you could add the rest as a token of appreciation

You can say 'I am aware that functions are an added workload to your staff and I would like to ensure they are compensated fairly for their extra effort, which is why I would like to pay 100 (or whatever) upfront, and the other payment will be given after the meal, reflective of the service we felt we received.'

I would just pay the amount without service charge now (don't get into a discussion about it) and then pay the service charge after the event, or more if you get great service.

I have worked in this industry for years and no the service charge is not legally enforceable nor is it compulsory. Companies imply that it is to try to get more money in, which is dishonest and the reason that the t&cs say it is discretionary.
Stand your ground do not pay it in advance.

Also please confirm in writing that the "service charge " is split equally between staff who actually worked the party (both front and back house staff) rather than the business or management pocketing all or most of this charge (which is very common)

If it has VAT on it then it's compulsory otherwise it's discretionary. Maybe you could agree to pay it afterwards?

I never pay the service charge if added to the bill. I always have it removed and leave cash. That way there is less chance of the company keeping it and more chance it ends up with the staff.

Or one member of staff Ola I doubt the kitchen staff see it.