Closed petition: Ban businesses adding service charges to bills without prior customer consent

Closed on 20 August 2025

I want the Government to ban restaurants and hotels from automatically adding service charges to bills without prior customer consent. I feel many businesses take advantage of diners by imposing these charges without making it clear that they are optional.

Instead of adding the charge automatically, I think businesses should be required to present it clearly on the payment machine, giving customers the choice to accept or decline.

To ensure compliance, I think the Government should introduce strict measures, including fines for businesses that violate this rule. I think there should also be a simple and accessible way for customers to report violations. I think these measures would promote fairness and transparency, holding businesses accountable while protecting consumers from unfair practices.