Mon DC directs hotels and restaurants to comply with guidelines prohibiting mandatory service charges.
DIMAPUR — Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mon Wennyei Konyak has notified all hotels, restaurants, and business owners in Mon district to strictly comply with the Central Consumer Protection Authority guidelines regarding the levy of service charges.
According to a notification, establishments must ensure that the service charge is not added automatically or by default to the bill, nor collected under any other name, including staff welfare charge, service fee, hospitality charge, or any similar charge.
Consumers cannot be compelled to pay service charges, as such payment is voluntary and at their discretion. Furthermore, no restriction may be imposed on entry or the provision of services on account of a consumer's decision not to pay a service charge.
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Establishments must also ensure that the service charge is not added to the bill for the purpose of levying GST on the total amount.
All concerned establishments have been directed to ensure strict and immediate compliance with the directives.
The assistant controller of Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, Mon, will undertake necessary monitoring and inspection and report instances of non-compliance for appropriate action.