An Ibiza restaurant is accused of charging twelve euros for a coat rack.

PalmThe Consumer Association, FACUA, has filed a complaint with the General Directorate of Benefits, Pharmacy and Consumption of the Government of Ibiza against a restaurant for including a twelve euro charge on the bill for providing a hook to hang bags on the table.

The consumer protection federation explained in a statement this Thursday the case of a user who was charged for using the coat rack after the waitress insisted on using it "without warning her that it would cost something." This user reported through the social network X that the Ibiza restaurant Wakame "slipped" an additional amount on her bill for a "bag hook."

The woman, as the note states, has assured that she agreed to use the support after the insistence of the person who served her table: "The waitress kindly offered to place our bags on a hook on the table. We declined the offer, but when she insisted, we accepted."

In response to the numerous reactions that this case has provoked, the restaurant has justified that they began charging for the support "after, by distraction, many customers took the hook thinking it was free."

The establishment has also argued that the coat rack "is an optional service." The establishment has also pointed out that it is included in the bill as a deposit, given that the amount "is always deducted at checkout, unless the person wants to take it as a souvenir."

However, the consumer organization believes that this "carelessness" is penalized with "no less" than twelve euros, when this hook "is worth just over one euro." For the federation, this is an "abusive" practice and contrary to state and regional legislation regulating consumer rights.

Furthermore, sources from FACUA add that the restaurant does not inform customers that this device "is not a service provided as a commercial service nor is it a promotional gift," as it includes the restaurant's logo. The hook is charged with the purchase unless the customer "expressly" states otherwise. In order to legally charge for it, the restaurant should inform customers of the cost of this item when offering it and leave it up to the consumer to choose whether or not to purchase it, as otherwise it could be interpreted as a gift, the organization states. FACUA has asked the General Directorate of Benefits, Pharmacy, and Consumer Affairs of the Government to investigate the events and open disciplinary proceedings against the establishment.