Guidance on collecting tips and service charges
In recent years, digitalisation and changes in the law have led to new practices in many businesses around the collection of tips and service charges.
Consumers must be able to easily choose whether or not to tip, and how much.
- Tipping on a payment terminal should be easy to avoid
- Prevent accidental tipping by keeping tipping terminals separate and clearly labelled
- Mandatory service charges must be very clearly communicated in advance
- Optional service charges must not be automatically added to bills
Further details on consumer attitudes and best practice can be found in our 2026 report on transparency and legal obligations relating to tipping and service charges.
You can also read more about price display in restaurants and cafés, price display for hairdressers and barbers, and price display in licensed premises.
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