Cocktail Controversy: $40 Receipt for 2 Gin Drinks Sparks Online Debate Over Restaurant Service Charges

A receipt for two gin cocktails triggers an online dialogue about extra fees at restaurants and the price of drinks. (Photo: Manchester Evening News)

In a recent incident at the newly opened Sexy Fish venue in Manchester, a patron found himself grappling with a £32 ($40.26) bill for two classic Negroni cocktails priced at £9.50 ($11.95) each. The undisclosed customer, dissatisfied with the unexpected total, brought attention to the discrepancy, prompting a closer examination of the receipt — and later sparking an online debate.

“When I looked more closely at the receipt, I could see it didn’t make any sense,” the man informed Manchester Evening News. “I couldn’t work it out because since when does 2 x £9.25 equal £28? Naturally, because of this, I decided to query it with the bar staff.”

Upon scrutiny, it became apparent that a “gin upgrade” had been applied to the cocktails, a detail unbeknownst to the customer.

“They seemed to be at a bit of a loss at first but then explained it was because they used Plymouth Gin,” the man continued, per the report. “So, you pay £9.25 for a Negroni but then the gin you have adds to the cost? To me, that just felt a bit sneaky.”

The establishment, acknowledging the error as a mistake with the cash register, clarified that the Negronis were crafted with Plymouth Gin, which the restaurant classifies as an upgrade from the standard version priced at £9.25 ($11.63).

“If you wanted to change to a more premium product, it would make sense, but not for Plymouth Gin,” the man added. “There was no conversation on how they charge for the drinks, and when the bill came, we were both just as shocked as each other.”

The revised subtotal amounted to £28 ($35.23), with the addition of Sexy Fish’s 13.5% service charge culminating in a final bill of £31.78 ($39.98).

“A customer ordered a cocktail not on our menu, which was made especially for him,” a spokesperson for Sexy Fish told Manchester Evening News. “The receipt was unfortunately not displayed correctly due to a till error, but the guest was charged the correct amount.”

“The guest was immediately notified about the error at the time of purchase. He paid without any issue and appeared happy with the drinks.”

However, the incident did not merely center around the billing hiccup; it triggered a robust online debate regarding service charges. According to Manchester Evening News, opinions on the matter varied, with some contending that service charges adversely impact the hospitality industry, while others poked fun at the unnamed Negroni orderer.

“LOL! He bought cocktails in Manchester? Then moaned about the price? Doh!” a Facebook user wrote.

Another added: “Most restaurants do it now, a disease that’s spread over from the US where waiting staff are paid absolute peanuts and rely on tips. Over here, though, they make a fair wage so any tip should be given for good service and good food, not just because.”

“If you go to a bar and buy a drink,” a third wrote. “Surely they shouldn’t be adding a service charge on drinks orders?? @13.5% as well. How else are you meant to get a drink? They won’t let you serve yourself will they!!”

“Think people are missing the point here,” someone else commented. “The bill not even showing that there’s been an additional charge on top of the price is crazy.”

This isn’t the first time a gin cocktail has led to a passionate online discussion. In July, a diner was shocked to find an unexpected $15 charge labeled “You’re an Asshole” on his receipt from a taproom — before realizing it was simply the name of the drink he ordered. The incident later found its way to Reddit, where people were quick to voice their sentiments on how the man got “ripped off.”

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