Generator fee on the receipt: why restaurants may be fined
2 February 21:24
Cafés, bars, and restaurants that add a separate charge for generator use to their bills without first informing customers risk being fined. The fine can amount to up to 30% of the order total.
This was reported by the HoReCa Poster POS automation service, citing a clarification from the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
What constitutes a violation
According to Poster POS, including a separate line item on the receipt such as “service – generator” without the customer’s consent may be considered a violation of consumer protection laws.
This involves imposing an additional paid service or misleading the consumer if the visitor was not informed in advance of such a charge.
The State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection reminds businesses that the Law “On Consumer Protection” requires them to provide complete and understandable information about the cost of services before they are provided.
How establishments are advised to proceed
To avoid violations, food service establishments are advised to:
- inform customers in advance if generator costs are included in the price of food or drinks;
- not to add a separate line item to the receipt if the customer has not ordered any additional services.
Poster POS notes that generator operating costs—fuel, electricity, and maintenance—typically fall under a restaurant’s operating expenses and may be factored into the overall price of products.
What penalties are imposed
In case of a violation, the establishment may be fined:
- up to 30% of the value of goods or services sold,
- but not less than five non-taxable minimum incomes —at least 85 hryvnias.
The decision on the fine is made by the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection based on the results of an inspection or the review of consumer complaints.
Discussion in the restaurant industry
The issue of charging for generator use is being actively discussed among restaurateurs amid energy restrictions and power outages. Some establishments are trying to offset rising costs, while others fear negative customer reactions and fines from regulatory authorities.
Poster POS is a Ukrainian restaurant automation company and developer of accounting and management software for the HoReCa sector, designed to run on tablets.
