CCPA Takes Action: No More Forced Service Charges in Restaurants!

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken action against five restaurants: Makhna Deli, Xero Courtyard, Castle Barbeque, Chaayos, and Fiesta by Barbeque Nation. These restaurants have not been giving customers back service charges, which is against the law. The CCPA issued notices telling them to refund these charges.

This action comes after many people complained on the National Consumer Helpline (1915) about being forced to pay extra for service. The CCPA aims to stop restaurants from making customers pay extra at the time of their meal.

The rules say:
– Restaurants cannot add a service charge to the bill automatically.
– They must not call it by any other name.
– Paying the service charge is completely up to the customer.
– They cannot refuse to serve you if you don’t pay it.
– Service charges should not be part of the GST bill calculation.

If you’re asked to pay a service charge:
1. Ask the restaurant to remove it from your bill.
2. Complain by calling the National Consumer Helpline (1915) or using their app.
3. File a complaint about unfair practices at the Consumer Commission through the e-daakhil portal.
4. Report the issue to the District Collector in your area.
5. You can also email the CCPA directly at [email protected].

A court in Delhi supported these rules on March 28, 2025. The CCPA has received complaints that many restaurants are still forcing customers to pay service charges without their permission, breaking these rules and rights.