Delhi High Court Fines Restaurant Associations INR 2 Lakh Over Service Charge Disclosure

Delhi High Court Fines Restaurant Associations INR 2 Lakh Over Service Charge Disclosure

By Author

Published on July 29, 2023

Delhi High Court has imposed a fine of INR 2 lakh on two restaurant associations for their failure to disclose the complete list of members who levy service charges as a mandatory condition and those who do it voluntarily. One of the associations, FHRAI, has already deposited INR 1 lakh with the Department of consumer affairs. The court had directed the associations, FHRAI and NRAI, to disclose the relevant information in support of the petitions challenging the guidelines prohibiting the automatic levying of service charges on food bills.

In April, the court ordered the associations to disclose the member list and state the percentage of members imposing service charges mandatorily or voluntarily. The court also inquired if they had any objection to replacing the term 'service charge' with alternatives like 'staff welfare fund' to avoid consumer confusion. However, the associations failed to comply with the directions properly, and the court granted them a last chance to file the affidavits correctly.

Union consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh confirmed that the fine was paid by the association, and the money was deposited into the Consumer Welfare Fund (CWF). The court's guidelines on service charges came in July 2022, and since then, the National Consumer Helpline received over 4,000 complaints, including instances of forcing customers to pay service charges despite dissatisfaction with the service and using various disguised names for service charge collection.


Urban Square Mall Welcomes Udaipur's First McDonald's with Alfresco Dining

Urban Square Mall Welcomes Udaipur's First McDonald's with Alfresco Dining

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 26, 2024

Urban Square Mall, Udaipur's ultimate shopping and leisure destination, has added yet another highlight to its offerings with the grand opening of the city’s first McDonald’s. Spanning an impressive 3,000 sq. ft., this McDonald's outlet features a delightful alfresco dining space, a McCafé, and self-check-in and checkout counters, making it a standout addition to the city’s dining scene.

The grand inauguration was attended by Shri Brijesh Kumar Ji Soni and Shri Umesh Ji Ojha, both serving as Additional SPs of Udaipur, who graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

This new McDonald’s promises to elevate Urban Square Mall’s food and beverage offerings while enhancing the overall dining experience. In addition to the renowned fast-food chain, the mall hosts popular brands such as Burger Singh, Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan, and Chatkaz, offering a delightful mix of global and regional cuisines.

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Commenting on the opening, Uddhav Poddar, CMD of Bhumika Group, said, “We are thrilled to add McDonald’s to our diverse offerings. This addition continues to position Urban Square Mall as the ultimate one-stop destination for both shoppers and travellers. With an aim to continue offering an unmatched mix of shopping, leisure, and dining options, we look forward to more such partnerships in the near future.”

Echoing this sentiment, Siddharth Katyal, CEO of Bhumika Group, stated, “The opening of McDonald’s at Urban Square Mall is a landmark moment for us. This addition reinforces our commitment to providing visitors with an unparalleled mix of premium brands, cutting-edge amenities, and memorable experiences. We are proud to set a new benchmark for shopping and dining in the city and look forward to welcoming more iconic brands in the future.”

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Urban Square Mall is already home to a host of prestigious brands, including PVR Inox, Lemon Tree Hotels, Jusjumpin, Baggit, Vishal Mega Mart, Manbhawan Thali, and the Wooden Street store, ensuring a comprehensive and delightful experience for visitors.

With the opening of McDonald’s, Urban Square Mall continues to solidify its position as Udaipur’s premier hub for shopping, dining, and leisure, offering residents and tourists a world-class experience.


Bengaluru's Newest Microbrewery ICB-Indian Craft Brewery Sets a New Benchmark in Craft Beer and Culinary Experience

Bengaluru's Newest Microbrewery ICB-Indian Craft Brewery Sets a New Benchmark in Craft Beer and Culinary Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 25, 2024

Bengaluru’s latest addition to its vibrant beer and dining culture, ICB-Indian Craft Brewery, has opened its doors, promising to redefine the craft beer experience in India. Situated in the heart of Manyata Tech Park Nagavara, this expansive 1,500-seater microbrewery covers two acres and combines India’s ancient brewing traditions with modern, global influences.

A Unique Indian Craft Beer Experience
ICB stands out by deeply integrating India's cultural heritage, indigenous ingredients, and rich culinary flavors into its brewing process. According to Gopi Chand Cherukuri, co-founder of ICB, the microbrewery aims to reinvent craft beer in India. "With our dedicated craftsmanship and a team of seasoned brewmasters, including a master brewer from Costa Rica, and culinary experts, we’ve perfected the art of creating unique flavors that are global and deeply rooted in India’s rich history," he said.

Cultural Zones to Explore
The brewery’s architecture is designed with the COAST philosophy in mind—Culture, Opinion, Art, Sustainability, and Taste. This approach invites guests to explore different experiential spaces known as zones, each curated to reflect ICB’s Indian roots while providing a sense of belonging and cultural connection. The first zone is already open, and the second zone is scheduled to launch in January 2025.

Innovative Brews and Signature Offerings
ICB’s brewing philosophy is grounded in deep research into India’s diverse culinary landscape. The microbrewery has established a dedicated R&D center in Belgium for driving beer innovations, ensuring that every beer served is a result of global expertise and local inspiration. One of its signature offerings is Ramanujan, a range of premium non-alcoholic beers named in homage to the legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

The Future of Indian Craft Beer
ICB’s impact goes beyond its beers. It is set to become a cultural hotspot, hosting curated pop-up experiences led by renowned chefs. Beginning next month, these pop-ups will feature royal heirloom recipes passed down by Maharajas from across India, offering diners an exclusive opportunity to savor traditional recipes from India’s royal kitchens.

The New Face of Bengaluru’s Dining Culture
ICB-Indian Craft Brewery promises to be a game-changer in Bengaluru’s beer and dining scene, offering a fresh and exciting experience for beer lovers, food enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike.


Chill in the Air, Warmth on Your Plate: Haldiram’s Winter Delights Menu

Chill in the Air, Warmth on Your Plate: Haldiram’s Winter Delights Menu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 24, 2024

Winter is here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with hearty, nostalgic flavors? Haldiram’s, one of India’s most beloved culinary brands, has unveiled its much-anticipated Winter Delights Menu, bringing together the rich traditions of Indian cuisine with a seasonal twist. Available across all major outlets in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, this menu is the perfect way to indulge in the warmth of authentic flavors during the chilly months.

At the heart of the Winter Delights Menu is a selection of regional favorites designed to evoke nostalgia. The Makki Di Roti & Sarson Ka Saag combo, paired with Gulab Jamun and Gud, offers a taste of Punjab's winter magic at just ₹199/-. For those yearning for Gujarati flavors, the Gujarati Thali is a delightful spread of Undhiyu, Thepla, Dhokla, Gujarati Dal, and Chawal, priced at ₹219/-. For a touch of South Indian warmth, the Dakshin Delights platter at ₹159/- features Bisi Bele Bath, Kesar Bath, and Masala Boondi—a perfect combination of spice and comfort.

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No winter feast is complete without indulgent sweets, and Haldiram’s ensures this with its irresistible lineup. Treat yourself to the velvety Gajar Ka Halwa for just ₹99/- or the fragrant, buttery Moong Dal Halwa at ₹129/-. To warm up even further, sip on the soothing Masala Milk or decadent Hot Chocolate, available for just ₹59/-.

For snack lovers, Haldiram’s introduces the Mix Fried Platter at ₹169/-, featuring an assortment of crispy Mini Samosas, crunchy Kachoris, spicy Chilli Garlic Spring Rolls, and indulgent Mac n Cheese Balls—ideal for sharing or enjoying solo.

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Speaking about the launch, Mr. Neeraj Agrawal, Director of Haldiram's Foods International Pvt Ltd, shared, “We are thrilled to present the Winter Delights Menu, catering to every palate, from kids craving fried snacks to adults seeking hearty, warm meals. Each dish brings back memories of cherished winter gatherings, evoking the nostalgia of traditional recipes passed down through generations.”

With its thoughtful curation of comforting flavors and age-old recipes, Haldiram’s Winter Delights Menu is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re craving sweet indulgences, savory snacks, or wholesome thalis, this menu has something for everyone.

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About Haldiram's Nagpur

Haldiram's Nagpur is a household name in India, renowned for its diverse range of products, from Namkeens and Mithais to Ready-to-Eat Foods and Beverages. With over 80 restaurant outlets in prominent locations across cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, Haldiram’s continues to serve its customers with innovation and tradition.

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