Re: "Optional service charge"

On Fri, 24 Aug 2007 22:13:43 +0300, Opinicus wrote:

> From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fat_Duck:
> 
> <quote>
> As of March 2007 there are two menus; A la carte costs £80 per person
and 
> the tasting menu costs £115 per person, excluding wine and an optional
12.5% 
> service charge.
> </quote>
> 
> Optional service charge? What are the options?

"Optional Service Charge" and "Discretionary Service Charge" are
becoming fairly common in England and some other parts of Europe.
It's my understanding that you either pay it or not.  It's
usually added to your bill unless you specifically opt out of it.
The menu must state this.

For some reason 12.5% is standard.  My guess is that's its a law
of some sort, and 12.5 is the max.

Looks like those Brits will be Americanized sooner or later ;-)

[Crossposted to rec.food.restaurants]

-sw