Surcharge Consumer Fraud Alert: Restaurants and Others Sneaking in Extras in San Diego

Consumer Fraud: Restaurants in San Diego such as Rockin Baja Lobster, the Brigantine, the Cohn Restaurants and others have suddenly hit customers with a “surcharge” on their food bill. Rather than simply increasing the menu prices, these businesses hide an increased charge on the bill at the end. Some businesses may even try to indicate it is a government mandated fee. What’s all this about? It’s an attempt to not only secretly take consumer money, but also to blame the minimum wage raise approved by San Diego and California. Unless this is conspicuously noted PRIOR to order, and unless it is described accurately and without indication that it is a government imposed fee or mandate, this is illegal under California’s Unfair Competition Law — the UCL, Bus.Prof Code Section 17200. If you have been overcharged by these San Diego surcharges, you should contact a consumer protection lawyer immediately.