A diner at Sandstone Point Hotel recently voiced frustration online over a 7.5% Sunday surcharge, sparking debate about weekend penalties in the hospitality industry. While some customers criticised the extra charge, others defended it as necessary to cover rising wage costs.
Why Do Venues Charge Weekend Surcharges?
Sandstone Point Hotel, owned by the Comiskey Group, applies a 10% surcharge on Sundays and 15% on public holidays, similar to other venues in the region. These charges are clearly displayed on menus and signage.
The recent backlash came after a receipt showed a 7.5% surcharge, leading to speculation about a possible adjustment. However, industry experts explain that such surcharges are standard to help businesses cover higher wages on Sundays and public holidays, as required by Fair Work Australia.
Under national employment regulations:
- Casual hospitality workers earn 175% of their standard wage on Sundays and 250% on public holidays.
- Full-time employees receive 150% on Sundays and 225% on public holidays.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Public opinion is divided—some believe weekend surcharges are an unfair extra cost, while others acknowledge businesses’ financial strain.
Hospitality owners in Brisbane argue that while these charges help cover higher wages, they don’t fully offset the additional costs of weekend operations. Many customers accept surcharges as necessary to keep venues open on busy days.
Sandstone Point Hotel, known for its waterfront dining, fresh seafood, premium steaks, wood-fired pizzas, and live weekend music, operates all-day dining on weekends. Given its size and scenic location, surcharges help maintain service quality while managing labour costs.
The Broader Debate on Penalty Rates
Weekend surcharges are related to the wider discussion on penalty rates in Australia. Recently, major retailers proposed changes to retail workers’ weekend pay, adding to the national debate.
While some industries push for more flexibility in weekend wages, hospitality venues like Sandstone Point Hotel continue following existing regulations. The hotel maintains its Sunday and public holiday surcharges, ensuring customer transparency. The debate over whether these charges are fair is unlikely to end anytime soon.
Published 28-Feb-2025
Photo Credit: Pexels
