Restaurant exposed for including tips in the bill; Profeco suspends the business

MEXICO CITY (apro).- The Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) suspended Terraza Saltillo, a restaurant in that city in Coahuila, for having included the tip in the bill, without having asked the clients.

In a Facebook group, users shared the bill receipt, dated August 15 of this year. The amount was 1,950 pesos, but with a tip of 199 pesos, the bill closed at 2,149 pesos.

“We went to eat with some friends, and when we asked for the bill, SURPRISE! They had already charged us the tip without even asking,” the post reads. “I am also a waiter, but I always ask before charging the tip. This is a total lack of respect for the customer,” the person added.

After the case went viral, Profeco determined that the establishment was violating current regulations regarding the collection of tips, so the restaurant was suspended, but not closed, as reported in various media outlets.

The restaurant confirmed the visit of the authorities, in relation to the tipping case, and indicated that they would follow the recommendations issued to them. They also denied the closure and accused the “media stir” caused by some people on social networks of “bad intentions”.

Galio Vega, a representative of Profeco, confirmed the suspension of the business and denied the closure. The official also pointed out that closures are only applied when the business is a repeat offender, according to local media outlet “Vanguardia.”

“Although it is a custom in Mexico, it must be said that it is not obligatory,” Vega told the outlet.

Martín Cervantes, the business manager, told local media outlet “Zócalo Saltillo” that “this tipping thing is something that causes controversy, we clarify that here it is not mandatory as they were handling it, the positions are understandable, but we are with the best disposition to be on good terms with our clients, as we have always done.”

According to Article 10 of the Federal Consumer Protection Law, “suppliers may not apply coercive and unfair commercial methods or practices, nor abusive or imposed clauses or conditions in the supply of products or services.”

If any commercial establishment requires a minimum consumption, tips, does not display, does not respect or unjustifiably increases its prices, you can report them by sending an email to [email protected] with the following information: Name of the supplier; business address with street, number, neighborhood, mayor’s office or municipality, state and postal code.