UAE issues service charge warning

The UAE's ministry of economy has warned restaurants and cafes in the country against adding service charges to their consumer bills, in compliance with the decision of the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection, Wam has reported. Non-tourist restaurants are forbidden by law to add service charges, director general of the ministry, Ahmed Bin Abul Aziz Al-Shehi said. Restaurants and cafes operating inside hotels and those paying taxes to the local governments are the only exception, he noted.