Hotels Cannot Force Service Charge: Know Your Consumer Rights and How to Complain

• Hotels and restaurants cannot compel customers to pay a service charge; it is entirely voluntary.
• The Central Consumer Protection Authority prohibits hotels from unilaterally adding a service charge to bills.
• Forcing a service charge is an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act 2019.
• Customers can complain by calling National Consumer Helpline (1995, 1800-11-4000, 1915) or via the consumer app/website.
• Violating hotels face penalties, including license cancellation and customer compensation; keep bills as evidence.

Why It Matters: Customers have the right to refuse service charges; hotels cannot legally force payment.