During the pandemic, many hospitality businesses had to close, and numerous workers in the sector lost their jobs. When cafes and restaurants reopened, they faced a shortage of staff, leading to increased wages. Additionally, costs for labor, energy, and food supplies rose significantly, prompting restaurant owners to consider new business strategies. One such measure is the introduction of a minimum spending amount per guest, which has sparked various reactions. For example, in an Italian restaurant in Salzburg, a sign at the entrance stated that entry is allowed only if guests plan to spend at least 20 euros per person. In Croatia, such signs are rare, but there are known cases where waiters warn guests about minimum spending, especially in luxury restaurants. In France, tipping practices have evolved further, with many restaurants automatically adding a 15% tip to the bill and recommending guests leave additional tips. This practice has been called extortion in some places, with Mayor Sylvie Sir stating that tips should be expressions of gratitude, not obligations. Hospitality workers on the French Riviera emphasize the importance of warning guests with smaller budgets, while those ordering expensive drinks receive better treatment.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources tend to emphasize the challenges faced by workers in the hospitality sector, such as job losses during the pandemic and the pressure of increased costs. They may critique the introduction of minimum spending rules as potentially exploitative or exclusionary towards lower-income customers. The focus is often on workers’ rights and fair treatment of both employees and customers.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the situation, highlighting the economic pressures on restaurant owners due to labor shortages and rising costs. They present the minimum spending rule as a business strategy to maintain profitability and manage limited resources, often including perspectives from both owners and customers without strong bias.
Right: Right-leaning sources emphasize the business owners’ need to adapt to market conditions, including labor shortages and increased operational costs. They may support the minimum spending rule as a practical measure to ensure sustainability and reward customers who spend more. There is often a focus on personal responsibility and market-driven solutions rather than regulatory intervention.