We are currently trekking through the Alsace region of France for Christmas season.
We sat down at this lovely cafe in Colmar after hectic day at the Christmas market on Saturday. The bill was 1E more than the actual amount. The cashier says it was a city tax for a sit down meal. This is our second time in France, and don’t recall Paris having any city tax before.
It was only 1euro, so no big deal, but the pastry we had was only 4.90E (so around 20%. - yichhs). They said, the price on the display was for a take out, and they charge extra for sit down snacks.
I know Italy charges coperto fee similar to this.. but never knew Colmar would have something similar..just wondering if we got taken advantage of…
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6834 posts
No you weren't scammed. Sitting at a table instead of carrying out or standing at a counter has a higher charge. But it's not a city tax AFAIK, but a higher VAT.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
909 posts
Italy also charges more for a ‘sit down coffee’ at a cafe versus ordering your coffee etc at the bar and standing there to have it.
Posted by
Washington DC
29867 posts
This is a common disparity when you eat in rather than carrying out something like baked goods. I've run into it in multiple countries. It might be due to a difference in the tax rate; I had assumed it was an extra charge by the bakery for taking up one of its seats and using its tableware (with attendant dishwashing cost).
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
24009 posts
NO scam !! It is fairly common through out Europe. Sit down is more expensive that take away. It is not a coperto charge. Basically view it as a charge to use the table.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
7508 posts
If the cafe scammed you for just €1, they really need to up their game.
Posted by
Washington
1071 posts
In addition to Europe, I’ve seen this a few places in the U.S. Mostly independently owned coffee shops that have an eat/drink-in vs. takeout price.
Posted by
1604 posts
Don’t visit California if you don’t like this type of “scam.” It’s a bit nuanced when the tax applies, but when you are asked “is it for here or to go” it isn’t because they care about how you plan to enjoy your food! Looking forward to visiting Colmar next year!
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9525 posts
Same here. There is a different sales tax for eat-in versus carry-out.
Posted by
3088 posts
Cafés typically have 3 prices levels: consumption at the bar, an indoor table, or on the patio. The price differences are usually displayed somewhere but are inclusive on any bill, they are not added on separately. Taxes are always inclusive within whatever price you see.
Hotels will add the city tax separately. It is usually a couple euros per night, but I have never seen, nor heard of any individual tax charge added to a food bill. I have been to Colmar 3 or 4 times and I have never seen this. Café prices must be posted, I am suspicious that this is an effort by a misguided café owner to increase revenue. If he wants to charge more for on premises consumption, the price needs on the menu, not an add on surprise.