Service Charge
サービス料 · saabisuryou
Also known as: saabisuryou
A percentage added to the subtotal of your bill; at hostess clubs and lounges it is shown alongside tax as TAX and service.
The service charge is a percentage, set by the venue, added to the subtotal of set fee, nomination fees and drinks. Price lists at hostess clubs, clubs and lounges often note that tax and service are charged separately, and the percentage differs from venue to venue. If you estimate the total from the displayed prices alone, the bill will come out higher than you expected.
It is a charge the venue sets, not a tip you choose to give. Japan has no tipping custom, and there is no need to hand cash to a cast member or the floor staff on top of the service charge. The listed price is a guide, so confirm the total including tax and service with the venue before you enter.
When you'll encounter this
You see it in the "tax and service charged separately" note on a price list and as a line on the itemised bill.
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