A WOMAN was shocked to see a service charge added to her bill after enjoying a meal out at a pub in an Oxfordshire town.

Resident Sara Miller went to the Old Auctioneer in Banbury with a group of friends on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Woman refuses to pay service charge at Banbury pub

In a post on the Banburyshire Info Facebook page, she said she enjoyed her meal, but warned people about the 12.5 per cent service charge that was added to her bill - which she decided not to pay.

The post received 290 comments with people debating about whether customers should pay a service charge or not.

We asked our readers in a poll whether you pay it and out of 767 responses, the majority (67 per cent) said no, while 33 per cent said yes.

Here's what you said on Facebook:

LAURA SIMPSON: "Thing is, when it starts being the norm - enough to include it on the bill - that customers will tip, they no longer increase workers' pay enough because, hey, they get tipped from already paying customers.

"It should never be down to customers. Make sure workers get enough money to survive. That’s on employers."

ALSO READ: The Alchemist, Oxford makes list of top UK pubs and bars

SARAH JENNINGS: "I tend not to leave as much now due to the increase in prices at restaurants."

MICHAEL MOUSEY O'DONOGHUE LARMAN: "A service charge on a bill is taxable so always best to just give a sly tip in cash if deserved."

SINEAD LEACH: "People do not realise the challenges of the hospitality industry especially that it’s on its knees after lockdown. There is a chef shortage and now for the first time there is a front of house shortage.

"Tipping someone 10 per cent or 12.5 per cent is part of the experience, appreciate how little people earn. Yes the NLW or NMW increasing could make a difference, however it could also close more businesses.

"Appreciate the effort and work that goes into making your food and appreciate the experience. Unless it is awful service, pay the service and protect the industry."

DAMIEN ROBERT JAMES HUGHES: "Hospitality needs to be more transparent on this issue. We only survive and remain competitive because of service charge. It's the only way that I can attract decent staff.

"Naturally, it's discretionary, but we 100 per cent rely on it to pay staff a decent wage in an expensive county.

ALSO READ: Renowned Cotswolds chef joins The Horseshoes in Witney

"The living wage is a misnomer. It simply isn't enough on it's own. What would be more honest would be an across-the-board increase in prices and a sales bonus for every colleague. Or simply paying staff a base £12/hour and up.

"We need to be straightforward about what it costs to support a business paying decent wages."

HANNAH TALBOTT-FALCE: "I love paying service charge. Because it always highlights I’ve had excellent service and a great expertise. However, I won’t pay for service if I didn’t get it or good service at least."

SARAH JONES: "I also refuse to pay service charge. I asked a waitress who served us, 'do you get the money', her reply was 'no it’s split between everyone'. So I gave her the service charge in a tip."

ALEX NICOLAOU: "How about pub/restaurant employers pay their staff a decent wage? Crazy concept right? If the service was above and beyond, they'll get their service charge (tip). If not, up to them to improve.

"This isn't America, don't make it a thing, doesn't work."

ALSO READ: The Swan Inn in Swinbrook Dining Pub of the Year - again

RACHAEL SARAH BEDDING: "I understand a service charge added for a large party of people but I think it's up to the individual if they want to pay a tip. I don't think it should be expected, we cannot get like the US, we are taking on far too many of their practices as it is."

DARRON GIPSON: "I tip. If they put a service charge on, I get it removed and they get nothing."

TIM GERARD DOWD: "It's the customers option to leave a tip or pay a service charge, it should be discretionary. Personally if a service charge is added without first asking I would not pay."

KIM LOUISE: "No. I give the waiter or waitress a cash tip to stop the government taxing them for their service or greedy managers stealing their tips."

COX HAZ: "It's up to the employer to pay their staff wages. The customer already pays over the odds for what they're getting anyway."

MAZ KAT: "Tipping is at my discretion. Not sneakily added to my bill."

LYM KOLA: "It's not necessary to pay for service, since the prices are up."

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.