Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fixed fee: A "cover charge" is a fixed fee that some restaurants, nightclubs, bars, or entertainment venues require customers to pay for entry or for the service of being seated, in addition to the cost of any food and drinks they purchase.

Usage

• The "cover charge" is typically a per-person fee. It is common in establishments that provide live music, dancing, or other forms of entertainment.
• It is paid upon entry or added to the bill. It is separate from and does not usually include the cost of consumables.
• Example: "The jazz club has a $10 cover charge on weekends." This means each person must pay $10 to enter the club, and then they will pay separately for their drinks.

Examples

• Noun:
  • There is a $15 cover charge at the door.
  • Does the cover charge include the first drink? (This is a common question; sometimes a drink is included, but the core meaning of "cover charge" is the entry fee itself.)
  • We decided not to go to that bar because the cover charge was too high.

Advanced Usage

• "To waive the cover charge": To not require someone to pay the entry fee.
  • If you arrive before 9 PM, they will waive the cover charge.
• "Cover charge applies": A notice indicating that the fee is required.
  • The sign on the door read, "Live Band Tonight - Cover Charge Applies."

Variants and Related Words

• Cover (n, informal): A shortened, informal form of "cover charge."
  • How much is the cover?
• Admission fee / Entry fee (n): More general terms for a price paid to enter a place (e.g., a museum, concert). "Cover charge" is specific to hospitality/entertainment venues.
• Minimum charge (n): A different concept where a customer must spend a certain minimum amount on food/drink, not an entry fee.

Synonyms

• Admission charge: A fee for entering a place.
• Door charge: A fee paid at the door for entry.

Antonyms

• No cover: Indicates that no entry fee is required.
  • Happy hour is from 5-7 PM with no cover.

Noun

1. a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink