Spain has introduced a controversial new law in Andalusia, one of the country’s hottest provinces, which allows restaurant owners to charge extra for customers who choose to sit in the shade.
Andalucia, in the country’s arid south, which welcomed 14.3 million tourists last year, has ruled that eateries can charge different prices for tables depending on whether they are in the sun or in the shade, under certain conditions.
Up to 10 euros extra charge to sit in the shade
Ruben Sanchez, spokesman for consumer association Facua, said restaurants cannot charge “more than 10 euros” for a table in the shade, as reported by The Press Olive.
However, Andalusia’s regional government warned on Wednesday that restaurants could be subject to “reports and penalties” if they do not follow rules on menus, prices, tips, reservations, bills and payment methods.
What are the conditions?
However, it allows them to set different prices for tables in the sun or in the shade, with one specific condition: Consumers must be told before ordering that prices are increased if they sit at a table in the shade. How can this happen; Either through the menu or any other form of publicity.
Under the new rules, restaurants also cannot offer menus only through a QR code, as “not everyone has a smartphone capable of reading QR codes.”
According to Sanchez, menu pricing must also be “complete” meaning include VAT. And customers must be informed of the prices of products not on the menu “clearly and visibly”. This means that verbally informing the customer of the prices is not enough and can be considered illegal.
Restaurant menu in the town of Setenil de la Botega in Andalucia
Sanchez also added that customers should not be forced to buy bottled water, as tap water should be freely available.
What about tips?
As for tipping, Sanchez stressed that the decision to leave a tip is up to the individual customer, meaning a mandatory additional “service charge” is illegal.
It is noted that Andalusia, in the south Spain, often records high temperatures. In fact, in 2021, the city of Córdoba recorded a record 47.6 degrees Celsius.
Spain’s new rules for travelers
It is recalled that last year Spain introduced a list of new prohibitions expressly for travelers planning to visit the country.
This included being able to prove that you have enough cash to support yourself for the entire trip – if you are visiting from outside the European Union.
According to iefimerida, smoking has also been banned on some beaches, following policies introduced in Barcelona in 2022. Violators in affected communities can face a fine if caught with a cigarette by the sea.
In 2022, the Balearic island of Mallorca also introduced a dress code, banning tank tops, swimwear, football kit and accessories bought from street vendors (such as gold chains and glow-in-the-dark hats) in bars and the restaurants.
Hotspots such as Barcelona and Alicante have also introduced new noise laws, threatening fines of up to €300,000 for disturbing the peace.
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