Lorraine Williamson
A restaurant on the rugged Cap de Creus coast, near Cadaqués in Girona, is under investigation after imposing what consumer groups have branded an “illegal” booking policy. Diners are asked to pay €10 per person in advance simply to reserve a table – and the charge is not deducted from the bill at the end of the meal.
For larger groups, the sums quickly add up. A party of ten would be billed €100 before even sitting down, on top of the food and drink. Complaints began surfacing online before a radio show on Catalunya Ràdio exposed the practice last week.
Restaurant defends its policy
According to staff who spoke with El matí de Catalunya Ràdio, the fee is designed to stop last-minute cancellations and to cover the costs of an external booking system. They insisted the money might be offset in September but admitted no refunds or deductions were being made during the peak summer months of July and August.
Consumer watchdog intervenes
Catalonia’s regional consumer authority, the Agència Catalana del Consum, has described the scheme as unlawful. Its director, Isidor García, said: “This is not allowed.” Spanish consumer law states that any reservation fee must be deducted from the final account, and terms must be clear and transparent.
Inspectors will now visit the premises to check whether the restaurant is breaking the rules. If found guilty, the business could face fines and may be forced to reimburse diners.
Backlash from diners
Frustrated customers have posted their experiences online. One family of five adults and four children – two of them babies – were asked to hand over €90 in advance. “Outrageous,” they wrote in a complaint.
Others praised the setting and food but still felt cheated. “They charge €10 per person and you don’t get that back,” another review said.
The legal position
Spanish law permits restaurants to request a deposit or reservation fee, but only if it is deducted from the final bill. Anything else is considered unfair practice. With the Girona case now under formal investigation, authorities will decide whether sanctions – and refunds – are required.
Source: Emporda