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Eating out this Easter Weekend might be pricier than ever, with more Ballarat cafes and restaurants adding a public holiday surcharge. A number of Ballarat establishments have elected to charge an additional 10 to 15 per cent on orders, which the city’s major business group says is a response to public holiday wage rates. Some businesses charging a surcharge declined to make comment to The Courier, as they felt current discussion around penalty rates was too inflammatory. Full-time and part-time employees in fast food and hospitality had their public holiday pay reduced from 250 per cent of standard hourly rate to 225 per cent from July 1, following a Fair Work Commission Decision. In Victoria this year, Good Friday, and Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday are all considered public holidays. Read more Penalty rates cause prominent Ballarat businesses to close over Easter Commerce Ballarat executive officer Jodie Gillett said an additional surcharge was the only option for some businesses to keep doors open and be able to pay four days of penalty wages. “In order to open this weekend they may need to charge you a levy, and as residents we need to pay that happily,” she said. “To pay two and a half times the base hourly rate for four days in a row, if you ask anyone else in business if that would be feasible, I’m sure they would say no.” While surcharges on Sundays and public holidays are legal, Consumer Affairs Victoria states the menu must include what percentage surcharge will apply and be displayed as visibly as the most prominent price on the menu, or penalties apply. The alternative, Ms Gillett said, was Ballarat cafes closing and fewer food options for holiday makers, causing the city’s tourist reputation suffer over the long weekend “We think it’s a really difficult situation.” Even those looking for a fast food fix this weekend will be out of luck, with franchises Dominos and Pizza Hut charging extra. Ballarat Trades Hall secretary Brett Edgington told the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into penalty rates and fair pay last week there is a ‘black economy’ operating. He said that some Ballarat businesses fail to pay public holiday rates, but collect a public holiday surcharge. “It means bosses in hospo, retail or tourism pocket the money on holidays without a net benefit to workers,” he said. “The more you pull out of disposable income, the less activity you'll have in those places.” Read more Wage theft in focus at Ballarat penalty rates hearing

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