Hyderabad, Feb. 13 -- The central government has once again reiterated that hotels or restaurants levying service charges automatically is a violation of consumer laws and counts as unfair trade practices.

In a February 4 order issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), the government took suo motu cognizance of a complaint registered through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) against Barbeque Nation for levying Rs 335 as service charges.

According to the order, the complainant had initially approached the restaurant for issuing refund however the restaurant had instead offered to adjust the amount in any future bills.

After this, when the consumer directly asked for a refund through the NCH, he was issued his due am...