Public holiday surcharges stir debate as South Australian cafes pass on rising costs

Some expressed displeasure at the increased prices, with one describing the expensive caffeine hit as “excessive”.

The fourth owner of the cafe, Henry Papatolis, shared his perspective on the situation.

“We have to come up with another $500-$600 a week just for our backend,” he said.

He explained that the rising cost of living has not deterred customers, but rather influenced their spending habits.

“They definitely stick to one coffee and they don’t go for juice and smoothies and they don’t add toppings to their breakfast, just because they’re money conscious,” he said.

At the Yolk Cafe in Walkerville, customers didn’t seem too bothered by the extra charges, which were clearly displayed on the menu.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission allows businesses to set their own surcharges, provided they are prominently displayed on menus or in the venue.

This flexibility allows them to make decisions based on their circumstances, while customers can choose establishments that suit their preferences and budget.

Some businesses have chosen to absorb the additional cost by offering customers an alternative option.

“If you don’t want to do it on a long weekend and do it when it’s cheaper, that’s fine, but you want to go out on a long weekend, don’t be miserable, just go out and enjoy it,” user Richard Johnson said.