VAT on the bill

flossy_splodge

Don't think this is quite the right board to be on but can't see one better so here goes.
Do most restaurants advertise prices of items then when it comes to paying, add VAT on separately?
I've never been aware of this before.
Would it be reasonable to add it across the board on a bill ie also to individual drinks and wine consumed at the table?
Really appreciate some factual answers rather than opinion on whether it 'ought' to be so.
Thanks a lot.

System

As they are selling to consumers then the prices advertised should include VAT.

From http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/cgi-bin/brighton-hove/con1item.cgi?file=*ADV1011-1111.txt

The Price Marking Order 2004 requires traders to display the selling price of goods to you as a consumer and includes sales by electronic means, except:

• goods which are supplied as part of a service
• sales by auction or sales of art and antiques
• products sold from bulk - or
• advertisements for goods

The selling price should be:

• inclusive of VAT
• unambiguous, easily identifiable and clearly legible
• close to the goods or, in the case of distance contracts or advertisements, close to a visual or written description - and
• available to you without them having to ask for it

If the price is exc VAT then the price inc VAT must also be given with equal prominence

However the bill may split the VAT out as a separate entry

flossy_splodge

Thats brilliant, thanks.:j
Thought they were being naughty!
Oh well, Trip Advisor here I come!