Restaurants and cafes
Are there price display regulations if you run a restaurant or café in Ireland?
Yes, this page outlines the legal requirements for restaurants, cafés, hotels, and pubs in Ireland regarding the display of food prices. It covers the Retail Price (Food in Catering Establishments) Display Order, 1984, enforcement by the CCPC, and the importance of tax-inclusive pricing and accurate menu displays. Businesses must ensure compliance to avoid misleading price indications and potential enforcement actions.
Do you need to display food prices in your restaurant or café?
If you sell food to be consumed on your premises, you must follow specific regulations for displaying prices. These rules help consumers make informed choices and compare prices easily.
What are your legal obligations for price displays?
If you operate a restaurant, café, hotel or pub, the Retail Price (Food in Catering Establishments) Display Order, 1984 applies to your business. This legislation is enforced by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
Depending on your business type, you must display food prices as follows:
- Solely food outlets: Display notice immediately outside or inside the entrance.
- Mixed businesses (e.g. retail and catering): Display notice at the entrance to the catering area.
- Hotels or pubs: Display notice at the entrance to the premises or catering area.
How should you display menu prices?
Restaurants and cafés must display prices on menus. If individual menus are not provided, a clear display such as a blackboard must be visible in the room.
The price list must indicate:
- Minimum charge
- Service charge – and whether it is included in the food price
- Cover charge or similar charges
If prices vary by time or day, these differences must be clearly specified.
What happens if you fail to display prices correctly?
Failure to display prices may breach regulations. Charging different prices than those displayed constitutes a Misleading Price Indication under the Consumer Protection Act 2007. The CCPC may issue a Compliance Notice or take enforcement action.
Do you operate a licensed premises?
Licensed premises must follow separate regulations for displaying drink prices under the Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order, 1999. You can find more information on the CCPC website about licensed premises regulations.
Are your prices tax inclusive?
As with other goods and services, you are obliged to display the final price, inclusive of taxes and charges.
Where can you learn more about restaurant and café regulations?
- Read the full legislation - Retail Prices (Food in Catering Establishments) Display Order, 1984.
- Learn about obligations for cafés and restaurants operating as licensed premises.
- Understand how your restaurant or café is affected by regulations for selling goods.
- Review guidance on selling services to consumers.
- Read the guide to product prices.
- Learn about the rules on advertising your business.
