Customer asks a North Carolina bar to box their leftovers, then the bar tried charging them $6: ‘I’m calling the police’

A customer has taken to the internet to call out a sports bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, after they claimed that the establishment allegedly charged them to put their food in a takeaway box. The customer shared a photo of their bill that showed a $6 charge for a “To Go Box” and claimed that the additional charge should be a crime.

The picture of the bill from STATS, a bar in Charlotte, was shared on Threads by a user called “millionairemace_” who expressed their disbelief at the extra charge. The bill shows that they paid $28 for the Cajun Alfredo (Special) with an additional charge for the to-go box. They were also charged a service fee ($1.02), bringing the total to $35.02. Then a 15% gratuity charge ($5.10) was added along with standard tax ($3.15), making the real cost of the customer’s food $43.27.

“I’m calling the police…this should be a CRIMEEEEE! Be so forreal,” Millionaire Mace wrote in the caption, expressing her indignation at having to pay extra money to take her leftovers home. She also claimed that she was told that the to-go charge was allegedly added because “it’s a special on the pasta.”

Restaurant bills can come with additional charges

According to The Guardian, the additional fees and service charges are driving up the price when it comes to eating out. On top of that, diners have labeled the practice as confusing.

Customers may find themselves paying extra on their restaurant bill depending on the establishment’s policy. Gratuity charges are similar to tips, but instead of going directly to the server, the money is taken by the restaurant and distributed among all the servers and kitchen staff, according to webstaurants.com. 

Usually, the charge applies to large parties, but not always; Millionaire Mace’s bill shows that there were four diners at the table. Customers also legally have to pay gratuity fees unless it’s an optional fee or wasn’t disclosed prior to the meal being ordered; otherwise, they can’t refuse to pay, unlike a tip.

As for to-go fees, such charges are also legal. Customers have found themselves being asked to pay such additional charges in the past. One Reddit user claimed that their local Mexican restaurant charged them a $1 to-go fee. Much like gratuity/service fees, customers must pay the extra charge, although some states, such as California, do have laws that state diners must be informed of mandatory charges prior to ordering their meal, according to Crowell.com.