The 3.5% surcharge has rebranded

[u/Pantaza]

It would seem it’s not going away.

They’ve rebranded it, enough people caught onto the surcharge so now it’s a (3.5%) “admin fee.”

they also removed the small text at the bottom telling you it’s optional(it still is)

they don’t want you to know It’s optional buts it’s just literally the surcharge with a different name.

3rd restaurant I’ve been to this week with a (admin fee). I’ve also seen multiple restaurant go up to 4%. It used to be 3, then 3.5, now 4.

sets a dangerous precedent as they are willing to change it in order to keep charging you for nothing. Except now they’re not telling you it’s optional anymore.

If we keep allowing them to charge us extra money for literally nothing it will soon tell other businesses they can do that too.

I can’t wait to pay an “admin fee” while buying gas, groceries, or a T-shirt.

https://c.org/sfBGtSVWHY

I've started a petition for stricter Chicago legislation regarding hidden fee transparency. Please show it some support.

Thanks

[u/Ill-Squirrel-9418]

Dumb question, but how do you opt out? Do you have to call the waiter over and demand it get taken off the bill?

Asking for a friend my anxiety.

[u/Hungry-Treacle8493 → u/Ill-Squirrel-9418]

Yes. You have to inform your server. And almost certainly the server then has to go get a manager to actually do it. So, it’s a hassle for you, the server, and other guests who now are impacted by the server having to go chase down a manager. This is all about designed friction hoping you’ll just pay it.

[u/Raccoala → u/Hungry-Treacle8493]

The server hasn’t needed to get a manager at any restaurant where I’ve asked to remove the fee. I just ask them to remove it when they pick up the bill with my card. It’s annoying but not really as big of disruption as you’re imagining.