The article discusses a recent complaint made by lawyer Andrés Millán and YouTuber Pablo Cabezali regarding the practice of adding a suggested tip to restaurant bills in Madrid and Barcelona. The tip is often included by default, leading to confusion among customers who may not realize it is optional. The influencers argue that this practice violates consumer protection laws by potentially misleading customers about the total price of their meal.
The practice of adding tips to restaurant bills is not new and has been observed in various cities in Spain. The influx of foreign tourists, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, is believed to contribute to the prevalence of this practice. The shift towards digital payments and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cash transactions have also influenced the inclusion of tips on bills as customers are less likely to carry cash for gratuities.
While tipping culture is deeply ingrained in the United States, it is not mandatory in Spain and is considered a voluntary reward for good service. The extension of digital payments has led to a decrease in cash tips, prompting some establishments to include gratuities on bills. However, Spanish legislation prohibits the mandatory imposition of tips on customers and requires transparency in presenting the total bill amount. Violations of consumer protection laws in this regard can result in legal action against the businesses.
