To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what legislation governs the imposition of service charges by food retail outlets; and what requirements there are for the provision of information about such charges (a) on menus and (b) in in-house advertisements. (118388)

The Price Marking (Food and Drink Services) Order 2003 requires restaurants, pubs and similar establishments to provide certain information to customers on menus and price lists. The order requires that an indication of the price, including service charges, shall be unambiguous, easily identifiable, and clearly legible to consumers on menus and price lists.

Eating establishments are also bound by the general rules for traders on misleading price indications contained in the Consumer Protection Act 1987.