Bengaluru Consumer Forum Slams Pub for Inflated Billing and Threats
A New Year's Day lunch outing in Bengaluru escalated into a significant consumer dispute when a pub was found guilty of charging above menu prices and threatening a customer. The 2nd additional district consumer disputes redressal commission has now intervened, labeling this as an unfair trade practice and directing the establishment to provide a full refund along with compensation and litigation costs.
Details of the Incident
The incident unfolded on January 1, 2025, when PC Sravan Kumar, a 30-year-old resident of Ramamurthy Nagar, visited Secret Story Bar & Kitchen located in HAL II Stage, Indiranagar, with friends for a lunch gathering. During their visit, the restaurant provided a menu card clearly listing prices for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. However, upon receiving the bill after the meal, Kumar was shocked to discover that the charges exceeded the printed menu prices.
When Kumar questioned the staff about the discrepancies, he alleged that they responded with threats of dire consequences, coercing him into paying the full inflated amount. This prompted him to take legal action, issuing a notice to the bar and filing complaints with authorities under the legal metrology department for overcharging and unfair practices.
Consumer Complaint and Commission Findings
On June 5, 2025, Kumar filed a formal consumer complaint, citing deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. The restaurant's representatives failed to appear before the commission, leading to an ex parte ruling. The commission, presided over by Vijaykumar M Pawale and member V Anuradha, meticulously examined the case and identified specific instances of overcharging.
- Litchi Blush: Menu price: Rs 295; Billed at: Rs 325
- Diet Coke: Menu price: Rs 140; Billed at: Rs 160
- Budweiser Magnum: Menu price: Rs 240 per bottle; Billed at: Rs 540 for two bottles (instead of the correct Rs 480)
Additionally, the commission noted that a 10% service charge of Rs 76 was levied on a bill of Rs 760 for items including Budweiser Premium and Bacardi Superior, apart from applicable GST. The commission emphasized that such practices violate guidelines issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority, constituting unfair trade practice and deficiency in service. It reiterated that food and beverage pricing inherently includes service, and any charges beyond menu prices and taxes infringe upon consumer rights.
Verdict and Compensation
On March 23, 2026, the consumer forum delivered its verdict, ordering Secret Story Bar & Kitchen to refund Rs 2,708 with interest at 8% per annum from January 1, 2025, until realization. In addition, the pub must pay Rs 5,000 as compensation for the harassment and inconvenience caused, along with Rs 2,000 to cover litigation costs. This ruling underscores the importance of transparency in billing and the protection of consumer interests in urban settings like Bengaluru.
