28.01.2026 16:11
Service, cover, and table fees are prohibited in restaurants and cafes. With the regulation prepared by the Ministry of Trade, consumers will only pay for the products they ordered. Businesses that do not comply with the rules may face fines of up to 1 million 439 thousand lira.
The service charge, cover charge, and table charge practices that have long been a topic of debate in restaurants and cafes are coming to an end. With the new regulation, businesses will be completely prohibited from charging customers additional fees under these names.
WILL NOT BE COLLECTED EVEN IF ON THE MENU
Under the current practice, businesses could request additional items such as service or cover, provided they were specified in the price list. When the new regulation comes into effect, this practice will lose its validity. Consumers will only pay for the products they ordered.
PENALTIES UP TO 1.5 MILLION
Severe penalties are anticipated for businesses that do not comply with the rules. Restaurants and cafes that act contrary to the regulation may face administrative fines of up to 1 million 439 thousand lira.
TIPPING WILL CONTINUE
The tipping practice is not prohibited under the regulation. It has been stated that tipping will continue in its current form as it is based on voluntary principles.
TO BE ANNOUNCED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE
The work on the regulation prepared by the Ministry of Trade has reached its final stages. The regulation is expected to be published in the Official Gazette in the coming days and come into effect.