Definition

Noun: - An additional fee added to a bill, especially in a hotel or restaurant, to pay for service: A service charge is a mandatory or discretionary percentage-based fee added to the total cost of a bill, intended to cover the cost of service provided by staff.

Usage

• The service charge is typically calculated as a percentage (e.g., 10%, 15%) of the total bill before tax.
• It is common in the hospitality industry (restaurants, hotels, bars) and sometimes for other services (e.g., banking, ticketing).
• It may be automatically included in the bill or added at the customer's discretion, depending on local custom or establishment policy.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to include a service charge": to have the fee already added to the total bill.
  • The menu stated that a 12.5% service charge was included.
• "to levy/impose a service charge": to apply or enforce this additional fee.
  • The bank levies a monthly service charge for account maintenance.

Variants and Related Words

• Cover charge (n): a fixed fee charged per person to enter a restaurant or nightclub, often not applicable to food/drink.
• Gratuity (n): a sum of money given voluntarily to reward service; a tip. (A service charge is often distinguished from a discretionary gratuity.)
• Tip (n/v): an optional extra payment given for good service.

Synonyms

• Surcharge: an additional charge or payment.
• Fee: a payment made for professional services or a privilege.

Related Phrases

• Service included: a phrase indicating the service charge is part of the bill total.
  • The price is £30, service included.
• Service not included: a phrase indicating a service charge has been added, suggesting a tip may be customary.
  • The check came with "service not included" printed at the bottom.

Noun

1. a percentage of a bill (as at a hotel or restaurant) added in payment for service