In Prague at the moment. Am surprised by the number of restaurants that include a 'cover charge' (typically 50CKN per person) on the bill; yet the check says service charge/tip not included. Has anyone else run into ths while in Prague? I assume this is yet another way to add a service charge in Prague.

tt

Cover charge is not something new- it's something VERY old. Many restaurants used to charge for it - it supposedly "covered" the set up, bread etc. And the cost is usually minimal.

Have heard of such thing for entertainment but have travelled in Europe for years and never saw it on a restaurant bill.

I guess you have not been to Italy, Jimsinger. Cover charges are very common there.

In Prague I have run into many other ways of adding to a bill. One of the most common is to add it up wrong.

Many restaurants I have been to in Prague have cover charge on the bill and those are not expensive places. The amount is like 20CZK at those places that's not much. Yes, the bill often says "Tips are not included" .

The cover charge is usually for the bread.
Don't ask for seconds - though it's never usually good enough for you to want more anyway!