On presentation of the bill I noticed that it was accompanied by a laminated card, DL size, which attempted to argue in the most hamfisted bulshitty manner a justification for the 10% “commission” (as it is described on the bill). I declined to pay it, as the propaganda sheet argued that it was discretionary, and nothing makes my blood boil like obligatory and mandatory discretionaries. When I explained this to the charming and pleasant waitron a flicker of worry and fear flashed across his face. “But I am now going to get in trouble”, he told me.

I asked to see the manager, and an Assistant Front of House Manager appeared. He informed me that crucafe did not actually have a manager.

The owner, in his laminated propaganda sheet, argues that obligatory discretionary charges, disguised as “commission”, are better for service levels and are “worldwide practice”, and Cape Town is just keeping up with the rest of the world.
What a load of absolute rubbish!

The worse part was that the bill still left a blank line before the total – so that someone with bad eyesight, or a bit inebriated, or a non english speaking tourist, might inadvertently add service on top of a bill already containing service disguised as “Comission”.

The slimiest argumentation though, was that the “commission” would lassoo the waitron community and force them to become responsible tax paying citizens. Did you ever hear such crap??

So I left, a bit peeved, and when no one was looking, snuck back and slipped the waitron his tip, in cash, tax free.