Two travellers from Lower Austria were left stunned after being charged a £1.20 washing-up fee for eating ice cream out of a bowl at a popular ice cream parlour near Vienna. The incident has sparked debate about hidden charges in the hospitality industry.
The Unexpected Surcharge
Wolfgang, one of the tourists, recounted the experience to Heute, explaining that the establishment had a long queue, indicating its popularity. The pair ordered an iced coffee each and a bowl of ice cream, expecting a standard bill. However, upon closer inspection of the receipt, Wolfgang noticed an additional charge: a £1.20 'glass surcharge' fee, alongside £6 for the beverage and £7.30 for the dessert.
Puzzled, Wolfgang approached the counter to ask if the fee was a deposit. The worker's response left him astonished: 'That's how it is with us, for the washing-up.' The employee clarified that the charge applied because the ice cream was served in a reusable container that required washing, whereas cardboard cups would not incur such a fee.
Owner's Explanation
The ice cream parlour owner defended the practice, stating, 'We don't have separate table prices, we simply charge this surcharge – it's displayed on a sign in front of the shop.' However, Wolfgang claimed he saw no such sign and was not informed by staff when ordering. He expressed frustration, saying, 'It's not about 70 cents, you just don't treat customers like that! We will not be visiting this ice cream parlour again!'
The incident highlights a growing trend of additional fees in European dining, where customers may encounter surcharges for table service, dishwashing, or other hidden costs. Travelers are advised to check for posted signs or ask about potential extra charges before ordering.
