A central London pub has ignited a debate over tipping culture after introducing a 4% service charge on drinks ordered directly at the bar—an add-on that adds roughly 30 pence to a £7.65 pint of beer. The Well & Boot, located inside Waterloo station and operated by Glendola Leisure, applies the fee automatically but labels it “optional,” requiring customers to request its removal at the till. Consumer rights advocate Martyn James said the practice puts patrons in an awkward position and risks becoming a stealth surcharge. The Campaign for Real Ale’s Ash Corbett-Collins added that any extra costs should be clearly signposted so drinkers know what they are paying for. Glendola Leisure, which reported turnover of nearly £98 million in its last financial year, is among a growing number of hospitality operators experimenting with mandatory service-style fees as they grapple with higher labour and operating costs. Industry payment data show the share of pubs prompting customers for tips at card machines has risen by more than a third in the past two years. The controversy highlights broader consumer fatigue with unexpected charges and tipping prompts, especially as living-cost pressures leave many customers sensitive to price increases. While the pub says all gratuities go to staff, critics argue that automatic add-ons blur the line between fair wages and discretionary tipping.