Many Australian cafés and restaurants add a surcharge on public holidays, and some on Sundays, to help cover higher wage costs. Charging a surcharge is allowed — but how you show it on the menu matters.
What the rules say
Under the Australian Consumer Law, prices shown to consumers generally need to be a single total price. Restaurants, cafés and similar venues have a specific option for day-based surcharges: instead of printing a separate menu or price column, you can include a statement on the menu that a surcharge applies.
According to the ACCC, the statement should say something like "a surcharge of [percentage] applies on [the specified day or days]", and it must be displayed at least as prominently as the most prominent price on the menu.
Good and bad examples
- Good: "A 15% surcharge applies on public holidays" — at the top of the menu, in text as large as your prices
- Good: "A 10% surcharge applies on Sundays and a 15% surcharge on public holidays"
- Risky: a small note in fine print at the bottom of the menu, smaller than the prices
- Risky: a surcharge added at the till that isn't mentioned on the menu at all
Why a QR menu makes surcharges easier
- Add a short notice at the top of your digital menu on public holidays and remove it the next day — no reprinting
- Use the same wording every time, so staff and guests always see a clear, consistent message
- If you change the percentage, update it once and every table code shows the new wording instantly
- Keep your regular prices clean and GST-inclusive, with the surcharge stated clearly above them
Before your next public holiday
- 1. Decide your surcharge percentage and which days it applies
- 2. Write the statement using the ACCC-style wording above
- 3. Put it at the top of your menu, at least as large as your prices
- 4. Tell staff so they can explain it if a guest asks
This article is general information, not legal advice. For the full rules, check the ACCC's guidance on surcharges and pricing, or ask a professional adviser about your business.
