Fear optional fee will raise profits, not barstaff pay

PAYING an automatic service charge for pints ordered at the bar could soon "become the norm" in a US-style takeover of pubs, financial experts are warning.

- by EDWARD EASTON

They questioned if it’s being introduced in order to avoid “proper pay rises” for staff by getting pubgoers to supplement their wages instead.

The grim prediction follows reports last week that pubs across London have already introduced it.