A post on the Javea Connect group a few days ago was asking about being charged extra for ice in a drink at a Spanish bar (in Nerja)
So to clarify – generally, throughout Spain, items that you will be charged for should be clearly written on the menus. Here is the way it should work for various items that may sometimes be free gratis, but not in all cases:-
ICE
Is as the general rule – if the bar/restaurant is charging for ice, it must be clearly stated on the menu. A menu should, obviously, always be available. “Unsolicited charges” cannot be made and therefore, if it is not on the menu, then they cannot charge for it.
TAP WATER
In April 2022, the government changed the laws to make all bars and restaurants offer free tap water to their customers. It was done under the Law on Waste and Contaminated Soil for a Circular Economy, in an attempt to reduce the number of single-use plastics sold in Spain.
BREAD
Often people think that bread is free, but this is not the case. Bread (and accompanying drink) must be included in the price of special menus such as a Menu del Dia but otherwise, the cost of bread must be clearly visible.
In other circumstances, if bread is brought to the table, you can ask for it to be removed to avoid being charged for it.
USE OF BATHROOMS
It is difficult to determine any actual rule on this, and much depends on the generosity of any given establishment, but this is the best we could find.
According to the Centre for Consumer Studies, “The owners of public establishments must admit access and under the same objective conditions to any user and allow them to use the toilets, which must be made available to the general public. The right of users to access and use the services will only be subject to the limitations established by the company in the exercise of the right of admission. The prohibition of the use of the toilet to those who are not clients could be the object of a serious infringement by the owner of the establishment, as it may be deemed arbitrary, discriminatory. or the conduct of the holder in the exercise of the right of admission is abusive “.
FINALLY – IVA ( OR VAT)
A clear and unbending rule: It is illegal for bars and restaurants to display menus that do not include IVA taxes.
If you are a member of the group, you can see the oringinal post here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaspas/posts/6691756477553045/
