DC attorney general establishes clear guidelines for restaurant fees to avoid confusion.

Attorney​ General Releases New ⁣Guidelines for‌ Restaurant Service Fees in Washington, D.C.

As ​dining in the nation’s capital becomes more ‍expensive, the‌ attorney ‍general in Washington has‍ taken action to address the concerns‌ of customers. In response to recent price hikes on ⁢restaurant checks, Attorney General Brian Schwalb has released new guidelines on ‌how ⁣restaurants should disclose⁤ their service⁢ fees.

Customers ​have been particularly vocal about the increased ‌costs, especially after the‍ implementation of Initiative 82,⁤ which⁣ added a 3.5% fee in July to better compensate‍ tipped employees. To ‍ease the ⁢public’s concerns, Schwalb has decided to crack down⁤ on restaurants that are ‌not transparent ‍about their additional ⁣fees.

Ensuring Transparency for Diners

“Diners are frequently confused‍ by vaguely labeled fees that appear ​on ⁢their restaurant bills ‌and ‌should be​ able to make fully ‌informed decisions about how to ‍spend their hard-earned money before placing their orders,” Schwalb‍ stated. “District law requires restaurants to disclose any fees in a timely, prominent, ‍and accurate manner.”

If businesses fail to comply with the new rules, they may face fines of up to $5,000 for ​first-time⁣ offenders and ⁢$10,000 ‌for repeated offenses. In addition to the Initiative 82 fees, the attorney general has also banned the ⁣”deceptive” use of 4% ⁣wellness fees and 5% restaurant recovery charges since March.

Schwalb has ​already taken ‍action by sending letters to approximately 2,460 Washington restaurants, urging them to ⁣prominently and accurately disclose⁣ their ​fees. While it is legal ⁢to charge service⁤ fees, ‍customers ⁤must ​be fully⁤ aware of them​ before paying.

As ‍a result of ​Schwalb’s‌ warning, restaurants are​ now required ⁤to clearly state the reason for ‍the fee and its amount.

Restaurant owners⁤ have expressed gratitude for​ the attorney general’s direct⁢ action.​ One owner,​ Diane Gross⁢ of Cork Wine Bar and ⁣Market, said the warning to dining establishments was ⁢”especially helpful.”

If residents ⁢of Washington have⁢ complaints or​ questions about⁢ restaurant service fees, they can contact the attorney general’s office by texting “COMPLAINT” to 202-738-5212 or calling 202-442-9828.

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