Latest news with #CAEB
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Majorca restaurants BAN splitting the bill blaming tourists who want to pay their share for waiter shortages
RESTAURANTS across Majorca are cracking down on the once-harmless holiday habit of splitting the bill, blaming picky tourists and chronic waiter shortages for chaos at the tills. Eateries at the popular Spanish hotspot are uniting behind a simple demand: one bill per table - no exceptions. 7 7 The move, they say, is aimed at avoiding unpaid items, streamlining service, and easing the pressure on overworked staff. Juanmi Ferrer, president of the Mallorca CAEB Restaurants Association, told Ultima Hora: 'Some don't want to pay for the wine, others specifically ask to pay for their own dish. 'This gets complicated for the staff, and there can be items that no one is charged for.' As tourists insist on settling only their share - whether that's half a sangria or a spoonful of paella - waiters are left juggling orders, receipts and card readers, often delaying service and creating discrepancies in the daily close-out. 'It is time-consuming and even more so if the bill doesn't add up,' Ferrer warned. Now, some restaurants are outright refusing to allow separate payments, insisting that diners sort it out among themselves. The only concession? Split the bill equally - if you must - but do it fast. Ferrer recommended tools like free mobile payment apps to simplify things. He said: 'We understand that the bill should be split among everyone, but there are much easier and more convenient methods, such as Bizum, which is free for customers and is automatic.' Moment hardcore anti tourist mob surround Brit tourists in Majorca chanting 'go home' & telling Brit ex-pats to 'go to hell' And while tourists may find the policy change frustrating, restaurant owners say they're simply running out of staff to cope. 'Since the pandemic, restaurateurs have had a hard time finding workers,' Ferrer added. Many businesses are forced to offer only one lunch shift, as they don't have enough staff to open midday and evening.' He insists the issue isn't about money. In fact, Majorca offers "the best hospitality agreement in Spain", with a minimum net salary of €1,700 (£1,475) a month. The real problem is getting enough hands on deck during the short but intense tourist season – especially in beach resorts. 7 7 Tourism tensions The clampdown on splitting the bill comes as anti-tourism protests flare up across the Balearics and mainland Spain. Tourists – especially Brits – are finding themselves increasingly unwelcome, with some now being lured to 'fake beaches' as part of a growing guerrilla campaign. In one viral video, a local revealed how some residents are making up names for non-existent coves in dangerous areas to mislead visitors and keep them off popular stretches of sand. 'These are not beaches, they are dangerous places that you should avoid,' she warned. Meanwhile, beaches have been barricaded with boulders, fake 'Beach Closed' signs have popped up across Majorca, and one protester was even spotted wielding an axe. The protest group Caterva claimed responsibility for recent 'symbolic closures' of secluded coves like Cala Varques and Cala Petita, insisting they're 'for residents' use and rest' only. 7 7
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK tourists in Spain must pay €40 'before arrival' because it is 'only solution'
UK tourists in Spain must pay £34 BEFORE arriving at restaurants in a brutal blow. An increasing number of restaurants are requesting that tourists including Brits pay before arrival with some establishments requiring £34 (40 euros) when booking. President of the CAEB Restaurants Association, Juanmi Ferrer, said: 'The owner of the establishment is usually at the cash register.' Ferrer says it is "the only solution to be able to stay open". Defending the charge, one said: "If you make a reservation you will be asked to leave a deposit. Nobody is being asked to leave a deposit or pay upfront if you walk in. Some places that before would have run a tab, without knowing you, now may ask you to pay as you order. READ MORE: UK tourists warned to complete travel action to avoid £150,000 charge READ MORE: Jet2 passengers wanting last-minute seat switch warned of little-known rule READ MORE UK facing NEW mini-heatwave with 'hottest hour' set to roast England "Especially if they don't know you, something that happens a lot at holiday destinations. That way they can staff accordingly so the guest are treated properly. It's done all over the world." A second said: "I would go to the Supermarket and prepare my own meals before paying up front, you have no idea of the quality of the food or service beforehand. It's not for the Customer to take the risks, if they are worried about people bailing, have doorstaff and ask to see the receipt before leaving." A third typed: "Must be isolated cases, many bars and restaurants are reverting to 'cash only'. Their reasoning is that customers complain about transaction charges on card payments, presumably they've never heard of Revolute of similar. "I suspect the real reason is more to do with tax evasion." Another said: "The problem of people booking and not turning up is costly for restaurants and is increasing in numbers. "Therefore it makes sense for a restaurant to require a credit card guarantee when accepting a booking." Another asked "who books" when on holiday, urging Brits to "walk in" instead.
