Hefty deterrent: A sign showing RM10 to be charged per person if customers bring their own beverage to a restaurant in Bayan Baru. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: It has become common for coffee shops here to charge customers who do not order drinks 50 sen to RM2.
However, a buffet restaurant has taken things to a new level by imposing a hefty RM10 surcharge on patrons who bring their own beverages.
The restaurant in Bayan Baru has ignited considerable debates among customers and passers-by.
Posters on the surcharge are posted on many corners of the restaurant, including at the entrance.
A senior staff member, who declined to be named, defended the decision, saying it is necessary to cover seating and amenity costs on top of maintaining profitability.
“We have had customers who come in with their own drinks. Our buffet menu is priced at only RM19 and RM29 without drinks, and we have maintained these prices for a long time.
“With the cost of ingredients going up, the only way for us to remain profitable is by encouraging customers to order drinks priced between RM1 and RM8,” she said.
But the staff member also said no customer had ever been told to pay the surcharge since the rule was introduced last year.
In March, a coffee shop owner in Puchong faced backlash for scolding customers drinking from their own water bottles, which led to many people expressing outrage and disappointment on social media.
There were also those who defended the “no outside drinks” policy, saying the operator has every right to keep his business sustainable.
Similar rules have also been imposed in various eateries here to encourage customers to order drinks.
Eng Loh coffee shop owner Micah Ooi, 39, defended his 50 sen surcharge, citing various operational expenses such as utilities, rent, wages, repairs and maintenance.
“The stall operators do pay us stall rent, but it is we who have to clear the dishes and keep the tables clean for the next customers.
“As my shop is located in the heart of George Town, which is a tourism hotspot, it can be frustrating to see customers who do not order drinks.
“Worse still, my workers have to clean up the mess, dealing with spilled drinks brought elsewhere and discarded wrappers left behind by customers.
“That’s when I decided to impose a surcharge. If they don’t feel like paying, they can order a glass of plain water that costs 50 sen,” he said.
Penang Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director S. Jegan said under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599), legal action can be taken if business operators are found to have misled consumers with prices.
“But as long as the price is properly displayed, there is no specific law to disallow the charges.
“If we receive complaints from consumers, we will check if there are any violations,” he said.
