Restaurants in London have been adding donations to Ukraine to customers bills without first gaining permission. Up to 50 London based establishments have signed up to something called “Cook For Ukraine” and have been adding donations directly to customers bills.
According to The Telegraph:
In one case a customer said he was denied service when he asked for the extra charge to be removed from the bill.
Ted George, 51, whose name has been changed, lives in France but was holidaying in London when he was hit with extra charges.
Mr George said he was shocked to be refused further service from one waitress at tapas restaurant Brindisa after he asked for the donation to be removed from his bill.
He said he had already donated a sizeable amount to help the cause in Ukraine the week before, and had gifted more money during a collection on his flight to London.
“The waitress refused to speak to me as soon as I asked her to remove the donation from the total. She didn’t even give me a chance to explain that I have already donated money, she stormed off and her colleague had to replace her,” he said.
“I felt emotionally blackmailed into giving more. I am on holiday so I’ll be eating out every day. I don’t want to feel pressure to donate at every single meal and then be judged if I don’t.”
Kelly Richardson, of Brindisa, said he was “deeply embarrassed” to hear about Mr George’s experience.
He said: “We do not endorse this behaviour and it goes against company policy. We brought it in with great intentions and are very proud to be involved in the initiative. It is really disappointing and we respect anyone who doesn’t want to donate.”
A spokesman for “Cook For Ukraine” apologised for “the uncomfortable experience” of Mr. George saying that the campaign is voluntary and forcing donations is not policy.
