Tussle Erupts at Noida Restaurant Over Service Charge: Watch the Video

A video capturing a dispute over a service charge at a Noida restaurant has sparked a fresh debate. As customers demanded the removal of the charge, a verbal altercation escalated into a physical confrontation. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.

Team IFT Team IFT
Jun 20, 2023 - 13:09
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Tussle Erupts at Noida Restaurant Over Service Charge: Watch the Video

The debate surrounding service charges in Indian restaurants has resurfaced with renewed intensity. In June 2022, the government declared the service charge as voluntary, urging restaurants to exclude it from their bills. However, while some establishments complied, others persisted in levying this contentious charge. Now, a video has emerged, reigniting the debate. Shared on Twitter by user @ShaanKh78682118, the video depicts a confrontation between customers and staff outside a restaurant in Noida, reportedly stemming from a service charge dispute.

The incident unfolded on Sunday night at Float by Duty-Free, located in Noida's Spectrum Mall, Sector 75. According to reports, the customers had requested the removal of the service charge from their bill, but the restaurant staff refused and engaged in a verbal argument. Twitter user @Sunita57356474 shared her experience in a thread, recounting the events that transpired.

"Today, my family and I visited your restaurant, Float by Duty-Free, at Spectrum Mall, Sector-75, Noida. Initially, your staff declined to serve us certain food items, to which we agreed. Subsequently, when we received the bills, we requested the removal of the service charge. However, they adamantly refused and resorted to verbally abusing my brother before assaulting me," she wrote on her Twitter handle.

Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated further. "Following that, your staff proceeded to physically assault my brother, mother, and aunt. Around 30 people joined in, attacking my family and forcibly grabbing my brother by the neck, attempting to strangle him. We never expected such behavior from anyone. We visit numerous restaurants, but none have treated us like your staff did today," she concluded, accompanied by pictures of the incident on her Twitter account.

According to Indian Express, an FIR (First Information Report) has been lodged, and investigations are currently underway. Harish Chander, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Noida, stated, "Necessary legal action is being taken after registering the charges. We will ensure the arrest of those involved in the assault."

The incident has sparked outrage and renewed discussions on the issue of service charges in restaurants, prompting authorities to intervene and seek a resolution.