BRITS have been left divided after a busy London restaurant announced a price hike on its food in a move away from optional service charges on bills.
The increase in prices at Flour & Grape in Central London comes after new legislation was introduced obliging employers to pay tips and service charges to staff.
Whilst some initially saw the move as a positive one for staff, others have been left questioning the restaurant’s true motives.
With the restaurant announcing their plan on a notice spotted by one diner yesterday, skeptical Brits have seen it as a loophole to “get around the employment bills”.
The notice, printed on laminated paper seemingly handed to diners, explains: “We’ve moved to all-inclusive prices.
“This means rather than adding a service charge at the end of the bill we have considered it as part of our overall prices so that we can pay our team the fair and consistent wage they deserve for all aspects of their role.
“If you wish to give a tip, you can do so via TipJar, either by scanning the QR code below or tapping the TipJar device at the bar.
“Cash is also accepted, and all tips go directly to the team.
“We think hospitality is a great career and want to give our employees the respect they deserve.
“For us that means raising the standard by moving to a more transparent and equitable way of working. Thank you for your support.”
While the move seems to be a positive one for restaurant staff, some social media users were left second-guessing the motives behind it.
Brits were doubtful that staff ever saw any of the service charge and reckoned the removal was an excuse to make up for lost income following the new legislation.
With legislation that came into force on 1 July forcing restaurant owners to hand over service charges to staff, many now face a loss of income.
Social media users guessed that prices in Flour & Grape would now increase to compensate for that, suggesting staff were never paid the service charge in the first place.
The restaurant’s notice was shared to social media yesterday by one impressed diner, who wrote: “Flour & Grape keeping things sane.
“Is it a big deal? No. But it is refreshing given all the chatter about service charges.”
The post has since received over 680 likes and more than 55 comments from social media users who were less taken by the initiative.
One wrote: “I went to a restaurant in Soho the other night called Grasso that had the same policy. Hope it catches on.”
Another commented: “Like the idea and I hope it catches on, nothing worse than having to mentally add 12.5% in your head when looking at the menu.
“However, dare I ask how much have prices gone up on the latest menu? 12.5% or 20-25%?”
A third added: “Refreshing? This is them changing the pricing structure to avoid the change in law.
“If they kept the service charge, they’re obligated by law to give it to the staff. Add it into the price and they don’t.
“I’ve been there once, group of six, it’s the only restaurant I’ve been to that chucks you out after 90 mins (or however long it is), we were finishing our drinks and got told to pay and leave.
“Thought it was a scummy establishment based on that and this confirms it.”
Another replied: “Why should we be encouraged to tip their waiters when they already had service charges in place designed to provide them with such tips?
“This is clearly a way for them to get around the employment bills and justify higher prices.
“They’ll stop showing this flyer in a year and then people will just tip on top of their bill like they usually do.”
A fifth said: “I’m so grossed out. I thought this was all noble.”
