New Delhi, Jan 2: The Department of Consumer Affairs of the Union Government has instructed restaurants to keep service charges completely discretionary. As per the order issued by the the department, service charge is not mandatory to be paid by customers at restaurants. The additional amount in the bill, tagged as service charge, could be paid only if the customer is satisfied with the service offered at the eateries. Also Read - Onion prices 'moderate marginally' in Delhi: Govt

The decision was taken by Centre after consultation with Hotel Association of India. The restaurants’ and hotels’ body expressed approval of the Consumer Affairs Department’s decision, saying that the service charge would be kept voluntary. The restaurant owners have been further instructed to inform the customers in adequate manner that the service charge is not compulsory to be paid. Also Read - After Rahul's Fuel Challenge, Congress' Oommen Chandy Throws 'Save SBI Challenge' to PM Modi

The decision taken by Consumer Affairs Department is likely to relieve a section of restaurant eaters, who were burdened by inflated bills, owing to the 5-20 per cent charged as service charge on the food bill. Also Read - Assocham seeks speedy implementation of direct selling guidelines

Full text of the statement issued by Consumer Affairs Department: