A bar located in Barcelona’s tourist zone in Barcelona has become a hot theme on social networks after implementing a price list for unusual coffee. The news has aroused diverse reactions between residents and tourists.
The more time, the more expensive the coffee
According to the Spanish portal, the protagonist of this story is Bar Perfetto, who decided to charge more for coffee depending on the time the customer remains at the table. A poster affixed on site leaves no doubt: “Coffee with milk, 1.60 euros. More than 30 minutes, 2.5 euros. More than an hour, 4 euros.”
This is not a play or temporary strategy. The measure is serious and aims to dissuade customers who settle for long periods only with a single consumer.
Increasing trend in several Spanish establishments
This practice, though unusual, is not exactly new. There are more and more cafes and restaurants in Spain to adopt similar rules, including additional ice, bread or even empty glasses. Some impose minimum values for card payments.
Poster with clear warning makes all the difference
In the case of Perfetto, the difference is on the frontality. Management chose to be clear from the beginning, leaving the warning clearly visible. This, according to experts, is a key point to ensure the legality of the practice.
Despite the criticism that emerged on social networks, this policy does not violate the legislation, according to the same source. Almudena Velázquez Cobos, director of Elcano Legal Asesores and CEO of Red Abafi, explained to the site Civilization That “although it seems strange and surprising, yes, it’s cool.”
Legality depends on notice to the customer
However, the simple fact that it is legal does not mean that the bar can impose the rules without meeting certain requirements. For the expert, it all depends on prior customer information. “If we are not informed with prior nature, there is no obligation to fulfill this internal norm,” he said.
Notice must be visible before entering
Therefore, for a rule like this to be valid, it is essential to be announced visibly before the customer sit. The ideal, argues Velázquez, is that the warning is placed at the entrance of the establishment.
Quoted by the same source, the lawyer used a practical example to explain the situation: “Just as a disco can refuse to enter someone with slippers, a bar can impose conditions for consumption as long as they communicate previously.”
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Each coffee implies an informal contract
In practice, each time a customer agrees to sit in a space with very visible rules, he is celebrating a “service contract”. The decision is voluntary and, therefore, valid – as long as the consumer knows what goes.
If the bar does not properly inform the customer and still charge higher amounts, the consumer is entitled to refuse the additional payment. In these cases, it can and should request the complaint sheet, that all establishments are required to make available.
Complaining is a right guaranteed by law
Once completed, this complaint must also be signed by the bar official and delivered to the consumer protection services of the municipality or the respective autonomous community.
Money already paid can be returned
In addition, if you have already paid the amount you consider improper, the customer has the right to require the reimbursement of the amount charged in excess. “And, of course, request if you had to pay, the refund of the price that surpasses what has been offered,” said Velázquez.
Fame can cost dearly if the rules are not respected
If it is proved that there was no notice of the conditions, the establishment may be the subject of sanctions. Spanish legislation, both the general law for consumer protection and the advertising law provides for punishments in these situations.
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