DTI Warns Fast food Chains and Restaurants: Reflect all charges in menu prices
Fast food chains and restaurants in Metro Manila are not exempted from the provisions of Department Administrative Order No. 10 (DAO 10), Series of 2006 of the Department of Trade and Industry. This is the firm stand of the agency after receiving reports that a number of restaurants in Metro Manila are violating certain provisions on the policy.
DAO 10 reiterates the rules on price tags / labels. It also prohibits surcharge or additional charge in the use of credit or debit cards for payment of purchases of consumer products or services.
?Reflect full charges,? Assistant Secretary Angel L. Pelayo stated. ?Menu prices must indicate full price of a product, in this case a food item, including Value Added Tax (VAT),? she added.
In a random sample of 120 restaurants, 25 establishments were found violating the said DAO and were formally charged by the regional office. DTI-NCR vowed to intensify its monitoring and enforcement in the following weeks. Non-compliance is subject to a fine of
Assistant Secretary Angel L. Pelayo urges consumers to be more observant when dining out: ?Consumers must be aware that DAO 10 also applies to restaurants and not only appliance stores. Check the menu and the official receipt. The price tag or total amount to be paid should be inclusive of VAT. Report to DTI any establishment who does not comply with this policy.?
DTI-NCR will intensify its monitoring of stores for compliance to DAO 10 in the following weeks. The agency will file administrative case to violators. Administrative fines will be imposed, amounting from P 500.00 to P 300,000.00.
The public can call DTI Direct Hotline at 751-3330 or visit www.dtincr.ph for more information.
