Türkiye has officially ended the practice of mandatory cover and service charges in restaurants, while introducing a new system under which tips are collected via POS terminals and subject to taxation.
Following the ban on cover and service fees, restaurants have begun adopting a “voluntary tipping” model. With a regulation published in the Official Gazette on 30 January by the Ministry of Trade, all compulsory additional charges were removed, prompting the sector to shift toward a new revenue and compliance framework.
According to Sabah newspaper, receipts under the new system now include the phrase “No service fee.” Customers are instead offered optional tipping rates—commonly 8%, 10%, or 15—which can be selected at the point of payment. Tips are no longer given in cash but are collected directly through POS devices and formally recorded.
Tips to be taxed and formally registered
The report notes that the new model aims to reduce unregistered transactions, ensure the taxation of tips, and formalize employee income. From the operators’ perspective, the system is expected to enhance legal security and transparency.
Industry representatives emphasize that cover charges had long been a significant source of supplementary income for restaurants, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations such as Istanbul, Bodrum and Antalya. Per-capita cover fees ranging from TRY 50 to TRY 250 reportedly generated annual revenues amounting to billions of lira. However, the sector has faced persistent criticism that these revenues were not adequately passed on to employees.
Under the new regulation, consumers will pay solely for the items they order. Restaurants are no longer permitted to charge for unsolicited appetizers or side items. The Ministry has clearly stated that tipping must remain entirely voluntary and cannot be imposed under any circumstances.
Establishments that violate the regulation by charging additional fees under names such as service or cover charges may face administrative fines of up to TRY 1.439 million. While the voluntary tipping model has quickly gained traction and broader acceptance compared to mandatory cover fees, its long-term sustainability continues to be closely monitored by the sector.
