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The Turkish Trade Ministry is set to introduce a regulatory change that will prohibit restaurants, cafes, and similar food service establishments from charging mandatory service or table fees, according to information obtained by local media.
The move aims to address mounting public complaints, particularly from foreign tourists, about unexpected charges added to bills in eateries across the country.
Under the planned amendment to the Price Tag Regulation, businesses offering food and beverage services—including restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and patisseries—will no longer be allowed to impose compulsory fees under any label unless explicitly listed on the official price menu. However, customers may still choose to leave voluntary tips, such as gratuities, if they wish to reward the service.
The new rule mandates that menus and price lists must include only the prices of food and drinks. This is intended to prevent establishments from misleading consumers by omitting additional fees and will enable clearer price comparisons between businesses.
The reform comes in response to growing discontent over stiff service charges that have become common practice in dining venues, particularly in popular holiday regions. Such charges were often undisclosed until the final bill, prompting criticism from both locals and foreign visitors.
Concerns have been amplified by Türkiye’s persistently high restaurant inflation, which stood at 33.78% as of October. These mandatory service fees were widely perceived as an unfair practice contributing to broader inflationary pressures in the hospitality sector. The ministry believes that eliminating hidden fees will promote a more competitive environment focused on service quality rather than opaque pricing, according to state-run Anadolu Agency.
By obliging businesses to list only item-specific prices on menus, the regulation is expected to enhance market transparency. Consumers will be able to make more informed choices based on actual food and beverage prices, minimizing the risk of being misled by hidden or surprise charges.
The Trade Ministry has not yet announced when the revised regulation will be officially enacted but emphasized that it is in the final stages of preparation.
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