Brother Marcus Restauarnt Scam?

oldernonethewiser

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002126#Comment_82002126

More people need to be aware of this and get the charge removed should they wish.

I like to decide if I will tip and how much.

la531983

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002126#Comment_82002126

Indeed, but thats not the issue here. Also suspect a lot of people dont want the hassle and embarrassment of asking for it to be removed.

oldernonethewiser

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002147#Comment_82002147

People need to learn to stand up for themselves instead of simply giving money away.

Agree that is not the issue for the OP and this particular establishment.

mta999

wondering HMRC should be told - they probably are not getting this tax paid to them !

born_again

Just wit for waiter/ess to walk away a bit they ask what is this tax on the bill? So other people will hear & make them look at their bills a bit closer.

la531983

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002208#Comment_82002208

I would be challenging it, not paying it, and then announcing to the whole restaurant once done what they are playing at.

Okell

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002144#Comment_82002144

"… I like to decide if I will tip and how much."

Yes. And I also want to decide what charities I'm going to support.

I don't want retailers or restaurateurs deciding that for me.

jaybeetoo

If the service charge is discretionary then there shouldn’t be VAT on it.

https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/vat-supply-and-consideration/vatsc06130

Ergates

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82002174#Comment_82002174

HMRC won't be interested on "fake" taxes, as long as they're paying their actual taxes.

The police might - sounds like fraud.

Ergates

But if thats the likely explanation why are the staff doubling down and stating it is some form of extra tax that actually doesnt exist in the UK? Someone has clearly briefed them to tell customers this.

Very devious.

That's the real insidious thing about this. A restaurant manager being too stupid to know how to do his job properly is one thing - but the way that two managers at two separate locations spewed out the same lie of "every restaurant does it" implies they've been coached. Which means this isn't a mistake, it's deliberate. The only question is: are the idiots complicit or just incompetent.