Consumers must be clearly informed of any applicable service charge before placing their order, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) said in a statement on Thursday.

“Any applicable service charge must be clearly and visibly indicated on the menu or price list made available to the consumer before they place their order. In this way, consumers will know in advance about the applicable charges and will be able to make an informed decision,” the MCCAA said.

The MCCAA emphasised that consumers should not find out about a service charge for the first time when they receive the bill. Price information, including any mandatory additional charges, must be provided clearly and transparently before the consumer places their order, it added.

Accordingly, the Authority urged restaurants and other catering establishments to review their menus and price information and ensure that any service charge is clearly communicated to consumers before they place their order.

“Consumers, for their part, are encouraged to check the menu and applicable charges before ordering. Anyone who believes that a service charge was applied without being adequately informed beforehand may contact the MCCAA at mccaa.org.mt and provide the relevant details and documentation, including, where available, a copy of the menu and receipt,” the MCCAA said.

The MCCAA said that it will continue to monitor market practices and take the necessary action in accordance with the applicable consumer protection legislation.