Ever look at your brunch bill on a Sunday and think... 'How is that chilli scramble $30?'

Welcome to the Australian weekend surcharge.

If you love dining out as much as I do, you have probably noticed this extra fee - usually hovering around 10% to 15% - suddenly appearing on your bill on Saturdays and Sundays. It is a relatively new phenomenon that really started popping up after the 2020 COVID lockdowns, and I am noticing it getting more common every single year.

But why is it happening, what are the rules, and how can you avoid the bill shock? Let's break it down.

Why Do Restaurants Charge a Weekend Surcharge?

The business justification usually comes down to wages. In Australia, hospo workers get paid penalty rates on the weekend. Because staff are legally required to be paid more on a Saturday or Sunday - often 1.5 to 2 times their usual wage - venues pass that cost directly onto us, the customers.

But Is It Legal?

The short answer is yes. But there are rules they have to follow.

If you are wondering how the law works, Australian Consumer Law does not say anything about surcharges being illegal. However, the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) states there is an exemption, as long as venues clearly disclose it.

That means menus must say something clearly, like: "A surcharge of X% applies on Y days."

By law, customers must know about surcharges before they order. But honestly, what counts as "before"? Is it a sign outside the restaurant? A tiny disclaimer on the bottom of the menu after you have already sat down? Or a small sign you only see when you are standing at the cashier? The inconsistency is exactly what makes it so frustrating.

How Common Are Weekend Surcharges?

If it feels like you are paying it everywhere, you are not wrong. Today, a massive 87% of Sydney restaurants and 84% of Melbourne restaurants apply weekend surcharges. It is safe to say that the weekend surcharge is here to stay, and it is rapidly spreading across the rest of Australia.

Find Out Before You Go

I got so sick of the surprise fees that I decided to do something about it. To find out what the surcharge is before you even book a table, you can use my website, .

I am building a database so we can all dine out with total transparency. You can search for your favourite venues to see their weekend and public holiday rates, and you can also contribute your own experiences to help out the community!