30.11.2025 08:35
The practice of charging table fees of up to 50 lira in cafes and restaurants has drawn significant backlash from citizens, prompting the Ministry of Trade to take action following increasing calls. The Ministry, which is scrutinizing the issue, is imposing a ban on mandatory charges demanded under the names of table and service fees in cafes and restaurants. With the new regulation, citizens will only have to pay for what they eat and drink.
Recently, the increasing implementation of table fees ranging from 20 to 50 lira in cafes and restaurants, especially in Istanbul, has led to intense complaints from consumers. According to news in Türkiye Gazetesi, the Ministry of Trade, taking into account the rising demand and reactions, has recently made it mandatory for all services offered by businesses to be clearly stated at the entrance and on the tables in visible price lists, including the total amount.
MINISTRY HAS TAKEN A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ISSUE
Within the scope of this regulation, additional charges such as service fees could be requested as long as they were clearly shown in the price lists. However, after some businesses started to demand additional payments exceeding the basic consumption cost under names like "table fee" and "per person service fee," the ministry has taken a closer look at the issue again.
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS WILL NOT BE REQUESTED
The draft of the new price label regulation brings sharper rules. Accordingly, no additional payments will be requested from consumers under the name of service or table fees, except for tips and cover charges. This regulation guarantees that citizens will only pay for the food and beverages they order.
TIPS WILL BE SOLELY AT THE CUSTOMER'S DISCRETION
The draft regulation envisions that all payments outside of orders will be entirely based on voluntariness. Thus, mandatory service fees will be eliminated, and a system where tips are solely at the customer's discretion is aimed.
A PREDICTABLE STRUCTURE WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN THE SERVICE SECTOR
The regulation aims to ensure that consumers are accurately informed, their economic interests are protected, and a transparent, predictable structure is established in the service sector. This way, it is planned to prevent grievances and strengthen both consumer rights and sector standards.