If you were locked in a restaurant for refusing to pay the service charge (UK)..?

Question

Could you press charges??

Dominic, i did that was the only reason they let us out because the police told them they had to. But they've p.issed me off bigtime and i would like to push the matter as far as i can.

Feck off you, how come when we go out, i always pay then??

Answer 1

No you can't.
Just erase it from the bill and pay what you have to!
But you have always been a cheapskate!

Sorry, meant to say no they can't! They cannot hold you against your will. But heck Angel, didn't you put up a fight?

Because you always want to push the waiters! I'll pay next time, OK?

Answer 2

That would be unlawful imprisonment, and the police would press charges.

You were within your rights not to pay if (a) they did not say on the menu that the service charge was added to the bill automatically, or (b) if you felt you had not received the level of service you deserved.

You can use something in English law called the rule of 'setoff'. This allows you to reduce any charge by an estimated amount of damages. This relates to civil contracts.

If you had a bad meal, had called it to the attention of the management, and they had not rectified the problem or reduced the bill, you can reduce the bill yourself by the amount you believe is fair. The restaurant owner has to accept the setoff, but you must supply your name and address, and they can sue you for the setoff amount if they think it was unreasonable.

Answer 3

Paper shops round my way stopped handing over papers 2 years in the past, something about the community council insisting on the youngsters being insured.. I were given 2 pounds &.ten shillings decrease back in the early 60's, that change into for 2 rounds 7 days a week and a evening round 5 days a week, maximum childrens were given decrease than £a million for a unmarried round..

Answer 4

The service charge in the UK is usually/often added to the bill, but legally it is voluntary, if you had bad service you're perfectly within your rights to refuse to pay it. Locking you in is unlawful imprisonment and you should have called the police on your mobile phone.

Answer 5

Yes - that would be unlawful imprisonment. Unless the service charge is stated as compulsory some where prominent - like on the menu or a sign then you don't have to pay it.

Answer 6

You could refuse to pay the bill if you were not satisfied and as long as you give the owners you contact details there is no way they can lock you in. For not giving a tip, and locking you in you can have them arrested for false imprisonment.

Answer 7

The service charge in the UK is OPTIONAL. I would say yes, you could have them for inprisoning you illegally (there is technical term but i forget what it is). Anyway - the service charge IS optional so they had no right to hold you until you paid up.

Answer 8

Get legal advice urgently. they had no right to lock you in. Thats unlawful imprisonment. Not for lack of service or anything else. Sue their collective behinds into bankruptcy! Good luck

Answer 9

This is short but sweet. You defnietly have got a case. Take it as far as you possbly can and trust me you will win. Now that the police have been involved there is no way they will get away with it.

Best of luck :>)

Answer 10

surely the service charge should be included in the price of the meal! if there's a clear sign saying that you have to pay it then yes they could ask you to pay it but lock you in no they cant...NO!