I have to say I am really pissed and embarassed. Let me explain. We have the Olympics in our fine city, and I am really annoyed that local proprieters are hiking their rates and gouging our tourists. I have actively been involved in the tourism business for many years in various capacities, and I write about my favorite bars and bistro's, hotels and attractions because they are ligit, good value and fun. Then I find, just because we're hosting the world, they turn around and jack their prices and rip off our international guests. What gives?
You see, any other time during the year, including the peak Cruise Ship season, you'ld never see this. So I was glad to see on the news last night, and read on the internet this morning, that there is a campaign on to boycott and expose these businesses, and I have no problem jumping on the band wagon. I don't ask for anything in return for the articles I write, but what really gets me is some of these places are essentially discreditiing the stories that have been writte, by not only me, but other publications and blogs as well. I feel bad that I have pointed people to some of these establishments in the past.
Listed here, is a short list of some of those businesses which come from spiffle.com. Make a note of them, stand your ground and spend your money someplace else. I offer this advice. Auto Gratuity is wrong. Do not pay what you don't think you owe. Steer clear and find an alternative.
I don't often get on my soap box on my blog, but today I have had it!
NEW - The Keg, Yaletown - yet another chain business with an 18% auto gratuity during the Olympics. Say no to auto gratuities - boycott The Keg! (source: @TamaraHarvey)
NEW - Cactus Club - Burrard - 18% auto gratuity on all bills, have to assume all other downtown Cactus Clubs have same policy (source: @TiaSparkles
NEW - Hapa Izakawa Yaletown location Another place with an 18% automatic gratuity added to all bills (source: @YVRMark)
NEW - Cambie Bar and Grill, $10 cover (something new - has not have covercharge before). (source: @OnlineStrategy)
AMENDED (again) - Earls Restaurants, Yaletown, Robson, Hornby. Earls has gone on record as stating they were eliminating their 20% auto gratuity; however visitors to Earls Yaletown reported still seeing the charge on their bills the day after Earls stated they were removing it. So Earls - 20% auto gratuity, and up to 20% price increases. Very bad. (source: various, incl Twitter, Global News Hour, Vancouver Sun)
Red Card Sports Bar, Seymour & Smithe - 18% auto gratuity added to all drink bills (source: @yvrmark)
Elephant and Castle, Burrard - 18% auto gratuity added to all bills "for your convenience". (source: @iford)
Glowbal Grill Restaurant - Yaletown - 20% automatic gratuity added to all food bills. (source: Global News Hour)
Steamworks Bar / Restaurant - Gastown. 18% automatic gratuity; local customers have noted "significant" price increases to menus; I called Steamworks asked about pricing / autogratuity, and was put on hold indefinitely. (source: @JonJennings)
Megabite Pizza - 100% increase in slice prices downtown. (source: Global News Hour confrimed, Twitter various)
Amended: Dix Brewery BBQ - 17% auto gratuity added to every bill. (source: @GingerLiz)
Academic Public House - 1600 block of W. Broadway - 20% autograt added to every bill. (source: @MattsMedia)
Library Square Public House is charging $5 cover, $18.48 for a domestic pitcher and 20% autogratuity. (source: Vancouver Sun)
Hamilton Street Grill - Yaletown, 18% automatic gratuity on all bills (this one sucks, because the owner is a seriously great guy with a lot of respect in this town). (source: Vancouver Sun)
German Fan Fest (next to Steamworks, Seabus Station) is a major rip off - $9 watery recycled beers. (source - personal visit)
Doolins / Irish House also another major rip off, and not officially Irish "house" during Olympics. (source - various twitter posts)
Travel Images http://www.westshoregalleries.ifp3.com/
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