# Austrian Cafe Implements Mandatory Card Tip Fee October 12, 2026 at 07:48 PM > A Spittal an der Drau cafe has introduced a 5 percent surcharge on card payments to ensure service staff receive tips during table service. A cafe in the [Spittal an der Drau district]() has implemented a mandatory 5 percent tip surcharge for all card payments. A sign at the entrance informs guests of the fee, which the operator explains applies exclusively to table service rather than counter sales. The operator justifies the measure by noting that service staff rely on tips, which guests often forget to add when paying by card. The current payment terminal lacks a voluntary tipping feature, leading to the fixed charge to ensure staff are compensated. The policy has sparked significant debate among guests and on social media. However, the operator noted that younger customers are increasingly rounding up their totals manually, suggesting the surcharge could be abolished if voluntary tipping trends continue. **Austria** [#Austria]() #Hospitality #TippingCulture #CardPayments #ServiceIndustry ## Related news ## [Fridays For Future Austria Announces Rallies]() October 13, 2026 at 06:57 PM ## [Austria to Finalize 2028-2030 University Budget]() October 13, 2026 at 02:23 PM ## [Austria Plans Adult Vaccinations in Pharmacies]() October 13, 2026 at 01:05 PM ## [Austrian Legal Experts Protest Staff Shortages]() October 12, 2026 at 08:33 PM ## [Austria Considers Abolishing New Parcel Tax]() October 12, 2026 at 01:39 PM