Irish regulator clarifies tipping rules for hospitality businesses (ccpc.ie)

• CCPC issues guidance on tips and service charges for businesses
• Tipping on payment terminals must be easy to avoid
• Mandatory service charges require advance communication
• Optional service charges cannot be automatically added

"The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has issued guidance for businesses on legal obligations regarding tips and service charges, emphasizing consumer transparency. Key rules include: tipping must be easy to avoid on payment terminals, terminals should be separate and clearly labelled to prevent accidental tips, mandatory service charges must be communicated in advance, and optional charges must not be automatically added to bills. The guidance aims to enhance consumer protection in the hospitality sector."