There’s always some kind of polemica (controversy) going on in the Italian news. And it’s not uncommon to read complaints about fee gouging, particularly in places that see mass tourism.
Recently, I read about an episode in Gera Lario—a comune in the province of Como, Lombardy—where a bar charged a customer €2 extra for cutting a toast in half.
"The episode, which took place at the end of June, was made known on Tripadvisor and then spread on social networks. Customers: "Incredible but true surcharge"
Bar di Gera Lario, due euro per tagliare a metà il toast. Il titolare: «Le richieste in più hanno un costo»—Corriere della Sera
Meanwhile, explained the bar manager:
“If a customer asks me to make two portions of toast I have to use two saucers, two napkins, and go to the table using two hands. It is true that the customer is always right, but it is equally true that additional requests come at a cost.”
When I first read the tale of the toast, I rolled my eyes at the extra fee. Typical tourism tax. I grimaced.
But then, I looked more closely at the receipt (above) and at the Tripadvisor review (as reported in the Corriere) that started it all.
“The toast format is served already cut into exactly two halves,” explained the customer in her review. We were two people and we asked for toast that we would have eaten at the table for two.”
So, the customer and her companion (most likely another adult) wanted to order just one vegetarian toast between them? That’s fair. People are allowed to be on a budget, even while on vacation.
The manager, on the other hand, feels he is vindicated for charging for the extra time and attention given beyond the norm in what was, perhaps, a busy environment—made busier when customers linger.
So, there’s a bit of nuance to this issue. What do you think?
What is the most absurd fee you have seen on a bill while traveling?
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More countries than states! That’s cool to think I have readers in 48 countries and 36 states. That is a stat I would have never thought possible. How great it is to be connected to so many parts of the world.
Have a great August!
-Melanie
How big is ONE toast to cost 7 euros?? Quasi like a pizza? I couldn't afford it 😯