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1h ago

Waterloo Station Pub Adds 4% Opt-Out Fee on Bar Orders

The change reflects a wider shift toward card-based tip prompts driven by rising costs.

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Customers have to opt out of the bar service charge, which some find awkward
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Overview

  • The Well & Boot is adding a 4% service charge to drinks bought at the bar, applied automatically unless a customer asks for its removal.
  • A small bar sign calls the fee optional, states the venue is cashless, and says 100% of tips go to staff.
  • The charge adds about 30p to a £7.65 pint of Camden IPA, taking it to £7.95, with cocktails incurring a 50p add-on.
  • Consumer advocates and patrons object that tipping at the bar is uncommon in the UK and say the opt-out setup puts customers in an awkward position.
  • SumUp reports a 12% rise in pubs using card machines to prompt tips and a broader increase in suggested-tip prompts, and owner Glendola Leisure declined to comment.