Consumer Watchdog Issues New Tipping Guidance as Research Shows Growing Concerns

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has published new guidance for restaurants, cafes, and service providers following research that reveals 1 in 5 consumers have paid unexpected charges in the past 12 months, and confusion around new payment technologies is causing accidental tipping.

The CCPC research, published on 28 January 2026, found that whilst 9 in 10 Irish consumers tip at least some of the time, two-thirds believe tipping is becoming less voluntary. Three-quarters would like businesses to make it easier to opt out of tipping.

The study uncovered particular concerns around standalone tipping terminals, the contactless payment devices placed near tills. One in four consumers who have encountered these terminals accidentally tapped them by mistake, leaving unintended tips.

Simon Barry, Director of Research, Advocacy and International at the CCPC, said:

"Newer technologies like payment screens and tipping terminals are changing the way we tip for services. It's important that businesses using these technologies do so in a way that protects the consumer's right to decide whether and how much to tip."

The research also revealed that 47% of unexpected charges were mandatory service charges that should have been clearly displayed in advance on menus and at premises entrances.

The new CCPC guidance distinguishes between legal obligations and recommended practices. Under consumer protection law, businesses must clearly display any mandatory charges on menus and at entrances, seek permission before adding optional charges, and ensure prices are clear and obvious. Businesses must not add mandatory charges without clear advance display, add optional charges without consumer consent, or mislead consumers into unwanted payments.

For newer digital payment methods, the CCPC recommends that tipping screens preferably ask an open question such as "Do you want to leave a tip?" with a yes/no response. Where screens show tipping amounts, the zero or skip option should be at least as obvious as tipping amounts. Standalone tipping terminals should be clearly marked as non-payment terminals and placed away from payment tills.

Mr Barry added:

"Transparency is vital. Any mandatory service charges must be flagged well in advance, optional charges must never be automatically added to bills, and tipping terminals should be placed away from payment terminals to avoid any confusion."

The research found gender and age differences in tipping behaviour. Women and those over 35 are more likely to tip than other groups. Cash remains the dominant tipping method, with 89% of tippers using cash when paying bills in cash. Even when paying by card, over half still switch to cash for tips.

The CCPC survey of 1,048 consumers also examined different types of tipping screens on card payment terminals. When presented with screens showing preset tipping amounts versus a simple yes/no option, 49% preferred the simpler yes/no approach compared to 28% who preferred preset amounts.

Full guidance for traders and detailed research findings are available on the CCPC website.