Charged more than price on menu for beer

Hi,

Went to "A Taste of India" last night and although the meal was in many respects fantastic - good value, great food and a very professional service, the price for beer was more than the menu price. When we got our bill there was a charge for €7.30(x2), I asked the waiter and he said this was for the two beers we had with the meal. When I said that the price listed on the menu was €3.95 he said this was for a "small beer", whereas we had been brought a large bottle (500ml). Now we never requested a "large beer" and there was only one price listed on the menu.

I am aware that prices in shops are an "invitation to treat" only, but I remember hearing that this is different for restaurants and pubs, where the displayed price must match that charged.

As I said, the meal was good but paying €14.60 for two beers still rankles.

Anyone know if my rights on this matter extend beyond whinging to my friends about it?

What exactly did the price list say when it came to the description of the beer that was costing €3.95?

Did it say that it was for a 330ml (I'm guessing) bottle? Was there also the option of a 500ml bottle detailed on the menu?

Or did the menu just say "beer - €3.95"?

The way I'd see this is depends on the answers to the questions above.

Both Heineken and Cobra beer are listed separately at €3.95. Don't recall seeing any volume measurements listed for either. Definitely there was no beer listed at €7.30 - that would have jumped out at me!

When we complained he said that they "have been charging that price for five years now". Ignoring the euro changeover issue, this seems unlikely as I do not believe the restaurant is open that long.

room305 said:

Both Heineken and Cobra beer are listed separately at €3.95. Don't recall seeing any volume measurements listed for either. Definitely there was no beer listed at €7.30 - that would have jumped out at me!

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If this is the case, I would definitely have stood my ground and only paid the €3.95 price for beers.

I don't think that alcohol prices are view within the "invitation to treat" guidelines of prices. If this were the case, the ODCA wouldn't be chasing up on pubs that have one price at the door, and charge more at the till.

Therefore, if a restaurant serves alcohol, it's covered by the same legislation as pubs - [broken link removed] - with regards to advertising prices.

I would say that you'd have good reason to report these people to the ODCA.

As to what you can do yourself, if it's handy, I'd probably go back to them if you feel strongly about it. You can politely mention that your next step is to report them to the ODCA if you're not getting any satisfaction.

The response you got about charging that price for 5 years has nothing to do with anything.

Did you leave a tip?

I personally hate that restaurant after a woman (owner or owners wife maybe - Irish) gave out to me and my friend for not finishing our starters quick enough as the main courses were ready. She was scary!

So you went ahead and paid for something which rankled with you? they were betting on that.

Cahir said:

Did you leave a tip?

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Yeah, a small enough one but I was cursing myself afterwards. Service was really good though so it was justified in that regard.

Cahir said:

I personally hate that restaurant after a woman (owner or owners wife maybe - Irish) gave out to me and my friend for not finishing our starters quick enough as the main courses were ready. She was scary!

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Funnily enough, mid-way through our meal the Gardai arrived. They were escorted through to the back of restaurant before emerging several minutes later with a well dressed man and woman in their mid-forties. The man and woman appeared to be arguing with the Gardai about something (though they weren't shouting or anything). I was curious at the time but afterwards I contended that they were probably braver than I and contested the beer charge

annR said:

So you went ahead and paid for something which rankled with you? they were betting on that.

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Yeah, classic Irish syndrome. Pay to avoid a fuss and moan about it afterwards. Thinking of making a complaint to the ODCA though.

room305 said:

Yeah, classic Irish syndrome. Pay to avoid a fuss and moan about it afterwards. Thinking of making a complaint to the ODCA though.

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I'd go back to the restaurant first though. Give them a chance to resolve things themselves before you escalate things further.

I always think that the worst aspect of customer service in this country is that when given the opportunity to make an unhappy customer happy, Irish businesses don't often take the opportunity and just make things worse.

If you are considering going to ODCA I wouldn't bother going back to establishment - they already had a chance and if they refund you just to save a complaint to the ODCA then they will just continue overcharging.

z

They knew I was unhappy about and didn't offer to reduce the bill then, so I'd be inclined to think they won't do so now.

However, before going to the ODCA I am going to write them a letter highlighting why I feel they are engaged in a deceitful practice. If they change the menu then I will refrain from making a complaint to the ODCA.

Save time and go the ODCA route.