Are public holiday surcharges really that bad?

Public holiday surcharges are deeply hated all around the world but is it all really that detrimental? On public holidays, restaurants often impose a surcharge, which raises the cost of the bill by 10 to 20%, causing a deflation in the customer’s wallet. In reality, these surcharges are crucial, greatly benefiting the workers and businesses behind the counter. The surcharges help to support local businesses, and is a way for customers to show appreciation to their diligent work ethic. Moreover, they boost motivation and productivity, ensuring a high quality of customer service. 

Firstly, as a customer, it is easy to neglect the other side of the spectrum. Imagine the diligent workers who wake up early on a holiday or weekend slaving away for hours to provide service to others for money.  Could you imagine going to school or work during public holidays? With the addition of surcharges, this accommodates a higher pay to reward employees who have worked extra hard with long hours. Not only is this a kind gesture, it ensures that employees and employers are eager to open on a public holiday so you have a fun place to visit. 

Secondly, surcharges allow businesses to cope with higher operating costs. For instance, the law requires a higher pay rate on public holidays for employees. Moreover, on a public holiday, there are an increased number of customers which may require more employees to be working on the day. Hence, employers will need to have more funding, in order to pay a greater number of employees to handle a greater load of stress. Without the surcharge, the cost might exceed the earnings, so no restaurants in your local area will break even and may close for the day. What are you going to eat? Eat stale bread on a public holiday?! Disgusting! 

Lastly, public surcharges boost productivity and motivation, thus ensuring better customer service and quality in food. With the financial incentive of surcharges, employers will be motivated to keep restaurants open. It will also be easier for them to coordinate schedules, as workers will be eager to take on extra shifts at higher rates. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to be paid extra money! On the other hand, without a public surcharge, many businesses may compromise their quality of service on a hectic holiday. 

In conclusion, having surcharges isn’t as detrimental as you think!  All you have to do is to imagine the workers’ perspective - slaving away while everyone else is enjoying themselves.  It is easy to remain pessimistic given the higher expenditures. However, surcharges will keep restaurants productive and open to deliver service with happy staff and scrumptious food.