Restaurant fees in California could still be legal as long as fees displayed ‘clearly and conspicuously’ [Video]

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A California lawmaker is pushing to allow restaurants to charge service fees to diners.

A bill introduced Thursday by state Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa) could potentially reverse part of a controversial state law that will otherwise make them illegal in just three weeks, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

A service fee could be a tip, or an extra cost, like a worker healthcare or downtown business fee.

“Restaurant customers shouldn’t be surprised when they get their checks by a boatload of extra charges they’re not expecting,” Dodd wrote in a statement. “Many restaurants are upfront with their business practices but too many aren’t, necessitating action. This proposal will level the playing field for all restaurants and address confusion and disagreement about what is permissible under state law.”

Senate Bill 1524 – which Dodd described as an “urgency measure” – would merely require restaurants to disclose any additional fees, such as automatic service charges, “clearly and conspicuously” on …