Customer challenged Rs 128 service charge at pub; court orders Rs 3,000 payout
A consumer commission in Bengaluru ordered a pub to refund a customer for a mandatory service charge and pay additional compensation. The ruling reinforces consumer rights regarding the voluntary nature of service charges in India.
Why it matters
This sets a legal precedent for consumers challenging mandatory service fees in the hospitality industry, aligning with national consumer protection guidelines.
NEW DELHI: A Bengaluru pub customer who repeatedly objected to a 7.5 percent service charge but was allegedly told he would not be served unless he paid it has been awarded a refund and compensation by a consumer commission.A Bangalore district consumer commission directed Sherlock’s Pub Nagarabhavi to refund the Rs 128 service charge collected from the complainant. It also awarded Rs 2,000 as compensation for damages and mental agony and Rs 1,000 towards litigation costs.Why did the pub charge a 7.5 percent service charge?According to the complaint, Rudresh visited the pub with a friend on March 24, 2026, to have food and dine there.
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