Introduction

A popular kopitiam chain has ignited a social media firestorm after announcing a hefty increase in its service charge from 10% to 15% for the Chinese New Year festivities. The adjustment, which will be in effect for the first two days of the celebrations, has left many customers feeling frustrated and unjustly treated.

Customer Reactions

An image shared on Threads revealed the notice regarding this charge hike, which does not include the additional 6% Sales and Services Tax (SST). The news has led to divided opinions online, with a significant number of netizens expressing their dissatisfaction and calling for a boycott of the establishment.

“This is insane! Their restaurants are always packed, so they can surely afford to pay their staff without upping the service charges. I, along with many others, will be dining elsewhere during the festivities,” one frustrated customer remarked.

Defending the Move

Interestingly, some online users defended the move, suggesting that higher service charges during peak festive periods are somewhat standard within the industry. “This is the first time I’m hearing about restaurants increasing service charges during the festive period, but I can understand why it happens,” another user noted.

Industry Trends

In a further exploration of this issue, several individuals pointed out that similar practices have been observed in other establishments during Chinese New Year, suggesting that this could be a growing trend. “The temporary adjustment isn’t unheard of. Business owners often have to manage increased labor costs during holidays, and they can't simply shut their doors for the celebrations,” commented one pragmatic observer.

Conclusion

As public discourse continues to swirl around this decision, many are left wondering: is this a necessary measure for the sustainability of local eateries, or is it a blatant cash grab during a time of celebration? As the festive period approaches, customers will have to decide if they are willing to pay the price for a festive dining experience. Stay tuned for more developments on this unfolding story!