Public dining turnover in Baku has surged sharply in 2025, accompanied by growing consumer complaints over rising service charges in cafés and restaurants.
According to official data, turnover in the public catering sector exceeded 1.5 billion manats between January and October 2025 – an increase of 115% compared to the same period last year.
Alongside higher menu prices, many establishments have also raised so-called service charges, which in some venues now reach up to 15% of the total bill.
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The practice has sparked public debate over consumer rights and transparency.
Under Azerbaijan’s consumer protection legislation, businesses are required to clearly and fully inform customers of all prices and additional fees before an order is placed. If a restaurant applies a service charge, it must be explicitly stated in the menu.
While Azerbaijani law does not prohibit service charges as such, authorities note that including a service fee in the bill without prior disclosure constitutes a violation of consumer rights.
Simply listing the charge in fine print or on a single page of the menu is considered insufficient. The information must appear on all menu pages displaying food items and prices, ensuring customers understand the final cost in advance.
Experts also draw a distinction between service charges and tips. Tips are voluntary and go directly to staff, while service charges are automatically added to the bill and managed by the establishment.
Restaurants are legally free to set their own prices and service fees. Public catering services are not included in the list of goods and services subject to state price regulation under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 178.
Consumers who encounter undisclosed service charges are advised to file complaints with Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Antimonopoly Policy and Consumer Market Control.
