weeks5051 said:
It is my opinion that the fastest way to alienate customers is to charge extra fees that are not only not announced first but fees that have never been heard of. I wouldn't pay a fee to enter a department store and I certainly wouldn't patronize a restaurant that charges a fee just to eat there.
I can't say this sort of fee is completely unheard of. I have been to a number of restaurants in Europe that charge a nominal ($5 or so) fee for "table charge", "tablecloth," "bread charge," etc.
That said, I have not specifically heard of such a charge on St. Maarten, with the exception of a restaurant or two that place cushions/tablecloths on their daytime patio furniture and jack prices up in the evening <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
Anyway, I have no personal issue with the practice as long as there is clear signage near the entry and/or on the menu. I then have the choice to eat (or not eat) there before the awkward situation comes up when an additional charge appears on the bill.
