By Juliet Speedy
Many big spenders wanting a second long lunch to round off the New Year holiday weekend were hit with a second round of surcharges today.
Some restaurants and cafes charged extra both on Saturday and today, to mark the January 2 public holiday.
Unfortunately for customers, they were well within their rights.
Sticky Fingers restaurant is in the heart of a Christchurch hospitality hotspot. They open every day of the year but Christmas, but they've taken a stand against charging extra on public holidays.
"We're of the belief that because we've had a recession this year, we don't want to pass that cost onto the consumer," says Nathan Thompson, "hence the reason we're a surcharge-free zone."
And this week, consumers are being hit even harder. Because the public holiday on January 2 fell on a Saturday, it is also being officially marked today. So restaurants and bars have to pay their staff time-and-a-half and a day in lieu on both days, and many are adding that straight onto the lunch bill.
"It's really fair to have a surcharge," says Bruce Robertson of the Hospitality Association. "Businesses face high costs, then as long as the public are well aware of it then they've got a choice whether they go out or not."
For those that don't pass it on, Mr Thompson says the costs aren't cheap, especially with an extra day thrown in.
"It's a huge cost for us to absorb, but obviously with the Government legislation, puts hospitality at a risk for pay rates during this public holiday period," says Mr Thompson.
Those on their way out to lunch today thought they were getting the rough end of the deal.
Since changes to the Holiday Act now means restaurants face such a large expense on public holidays, more and more are choosing to close.
"The reason is they just simply can't make any money," says Mr Robertson. "In fact, some are losing more money staying open than staying shut."
And those that do choose to stay open after battling through such a tough economic climate don't have a choice but to charge.
"We do understand some businesses do have to charge for protective reasons, and we feel sorry for them," says Mr Thompson."
So if you don't want to pay the extra, it's either drive the streets looking for a 'no surcharge' sign., or stay home and cook yourself.
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