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AG Mayes Announces $20,000 Settlement with Two Phoenix-area Restaurants for Charging Undisclosed Add-on Fees

By on May 1, 2023 0 183Views

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced on Friday a resolution in an investigation into two Phoenix-area restaurants by filing a lawsuit and obtaining a consent agreement from both Etta Scottsdale, LLC and Maple & Ash Scottsdale, LLC.

This settlement resolves the Attorney General’s investigation into the two restaurants’ lack of disclosure concerning add-on charges. The settlement prohibits the companies from charging fees not disclosed on the menu and also secures $20,000 in civil penalties for Arizona.

“The public deserves transparency when dining out, and that includes knowing the total cost of meals before ordering,” said Attorney General Mayes. “This settlement sends a clear message to restaurants that they must disclose all add-on charges on their menus, so customers can make informed decisions.”

In May of 2022, the Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation into the two Phoenix-area restaurants for including an undisclosed 3.5% Employee Benefits charge to customers when paying for their meal.  Prior to the investigation, the charge had not been disclosed on the menus in either restaurant.  As a result, many walk-in consumers did not have notice of the additional charge until they received their final bill.

As a result of the lawsuit and consent judgment, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office will receive $20,000 in civil penalties.  In addition, the consent judgment prohibits Etta and Maple & Ash from charging any additional fees that are not disclosed on their menus.

If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General’s website. If you need a complaint form sent to you, contact the Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.