Rip off in Mallorca: unlawful fees for a lack of starter!

Rip off in Mallorca: unlawful fees for a lack of starter!

Mallorca, Spanien - In Mallorca, tourists are increasingly confronted with dubious additional costs. A current incident shows how brazen fees can cloud the vacation experience of many guests. Two guests had to pay an additional fee of two euros in the restaurant for the "lack of a starter". The amount was shown on the invoice as an "extra fee" for "No Starter". When a guest claimed the fee, an employee of the restaurant about this practice was completely unsuspecting. After the intervention of a spokesman for the Mallorca consumer center, the fee was finally withdrawn and an apology was issued. The consumer protection experts complain that such fees are not permitted if no starter is ordered and the fee is not part of a specified offer, as OE24.

But there are problems not only in the area of ​​the starters. According to a report by the [tz] (https://www.z.de/welt/eiswuerfel-extra-calculated consumer protection-threesome-be-vacation-Restaurant-Mallorca-92491894.html) ice cubes and other apparently everyday extras are also part of the frequent expenses that are imposed on the guests. Some bars and restaurants charge up to 20 cents per ice cube. In addition, holidaymakers have to expect that services such as providing olives, bread or mayonnaise can also cost extra. Some restaurants have even charged fees for cutlery, which should be particularly sensitive to foreign tourists. The Balearic Consumer Protection Organization Consubal warns that these practices violate the rights of consumers and that guests have the right to reject the payment of these additional costs.

rights of tourists

In order to defend themselves against such unfair requirements, tourists can submit complaints directly in the restaurant or at the General Directorate for Tourism. Complaint processes can lead to fines against the companies concerned. There is also the possibility that financial compensation must be claimed legally. Consumers who use food or services abroad should be aware that there are corresponding laws for consumer protection. In Germany, consumer protection is regulated by several laws that grant consumers rights for contracts, food and travel. According to the guidelines, restaurants must also provide complaint sheets (Hojas de Reclamaciones) on request to give guests the opportunity to document their complaints.

It is important that travelers know their rights and actively demand them. Especially in connection with travel defects and inadmissible fees, it is crucial to first report defects on site and then to complain in writing to the tour operator or the relevant bodies. Travelers should make sure that your prospectus information contains clear information on travel price, travel destination and services. In the event of flights, compensation of up to 600 euros can be claimed in the event of delays or cancellations, as explained on lawyer.org.