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Restaurant in Esslingen: Sharing the bill is now forbidden!
A restaurant in Esslingen prohibits sharing the bill. Landlord Marrazzo explains the rule out of respect for guests and staff.
Restaurant in Esslingen: Sharing the bill is now forbidden!
In the city of Esslingen, Baden-Württemberg, a new set of rules in the restaurant “Accanto Semplicissimo” is causing a lot of conversation. The innkeeper Salvatore Marrazzo has decided that splitting the bill will no longer be allowed in the future. This measure aims to make tableside operations more efficient and reduce the workload of waiters during peak hours. According to Merkur, it is now sufficient for guests to announce in advance that they want to pay separately.
The new regulation has caused surprisingly little uproar since it was introduced three weeks ago - on the contrary, many guests show understanding for the decision. Marrazzo emphasizes that he and his team are all about mutual respect. This is also reflected in the support of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA), which points out that separate payments often represent an additional burden. Guido Zöllick, President of DEHOGA, also pointed out the ongoing financial difficulties in the catering industry and emphasized that income has been falling for years. In the first half of 2025, sales were already 15.1 percent below the 2019 value.
Reactions from society
Reactions to the new rule range from support to concerns that it could negatively impact sales and tips. There is discussion on social media as to whether this decision could affect service in the catering industry. Across Germany, an Ipsos survey shows that 65% of respondents support a traditional understanding of roles when paying - an aspect that is particularly important in times of inflationary prices and rising living costs.
Interestingly, other countries such as Singapore and Spain show different approaches to the issue of separate bills. It can be common for one person to pay the entire bill while the others transfer their share via apps. In Spain it is not unusual to receive a group bill on a small tray, although the payment methods often need to be agreed upon, which is unlikely to be acceptable to many guests.
The future of gastronomy
DEHOGA actively helps its members to increase their business efficiency. With various consulting offers and framework agreements, they are committed to improvements in the industry. It remains to be seen how the new regulations and the general economic challenges will affect restaurant visits in Germany, but one thing is certain: the catering industry is facing major changes.
The question remains whether other restaurants will follow Marrazzo's example or whether the tradition of paying bills together will continue. At a time when many companies are fighting for their existence, respect for employees and guests is crucial. This could shape the new norm in the German hospitality industry if customers get used to it.