The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued guidelines terming the service charge levied by restaurants as unfair trade practice, according to ET NOW.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the rates for food and beverages served in hotels or restaurants already include the charge for food and service.
According to CCPA norms, no restaurants may charge clients for service.
Consumers can lodge complaint on National Consumer Helpline number 1915 against hotels/restaurants charging service charge: CCPA order.
If a restaurant charges a service charge, the consumer can file an E-dakhil complaint with the Consumer Commission.
Consumers can even file a complaint with the district collector, and following an investigation, the DC can refer the issue to the CCPA for further action.
