Dear St Martin's visitors,

Due to an increase of unscrupulous and dishonest restaurantors in the French Side who feel necessary to take advantage of the lack of knowledge of our tourists regarding French "service charge" laws, and add 15% to the total on the bills of only Americans (or english speaking...) guests - understood that they will never dare to add 15% to the bills of French or Europeans guest more aware of the law - we decided to inform you what the law is in the french side regarding this topic and what is the French understanding between "Service" and "Tips".

It's killing us everytime, when we listen to one of our guest who's telling us that a very nearby restaurant, "La Fregatte" (which is nether less highly recommended by the Oyster Bay Beach Resort's "interested" staff during orientation, even though they are aware of the situation....) charged them 15% in addition of the price labeled on the menu, and that the only explanation the owner gave them is that it was a "government tax" or sometime a "service charge"... This poor and dishonest business practice by a few greedy and interested people make proof of very little professionalism, give a very sad and disrupting image as well as a bad reputation to our profession, and in the long term will definitely hurt the majority of us.

This kind of illegal and unscrupulous practice can only hurt our already fragile tourism economy, and in the French side you are in your right to refuse to pay any percentage added to your bill for any reasons. If the restaurantor threatens you, well, follow through and tell him to call the Gendarmes then... (maybe for this they will come...!)

There is NO government tax on the French side concerning the patrons.

Prices in the French side are net, which means that if there is a "service charge" as well as taxes, it is already included in the price.

The restaurantor has the right to include or not the service charge in his price on the menu, but if he choose not to include the 15% in the labeled prices, he has absolutely no right to add it afterward to the total of the patron's bill.

The "pourboire", or "tips" in English, is a certain amount of money given or left by the patron as a reward to an employee for his attention, kindness, and/or professionalism. It is always optional and let to the discretion and appreciation of the customer. It cannot be demanded, required or requested in any case by the waiter or the restaurantor.

The service is a percentage perceived on the price by the restaurantor to cover part of the fix salary of his employees. If it exist it must be obligatory included in the price. The prices labeled on the menu are the prices paid by the customers. If the service is included, the menu must have the mention "Service compris" (service included) followed by the exact percentage. But again, remember that if the service is not included, it cannot be charged to you afterward on your bill !!!

Now, we hope you took time to read this information page, that we didn't confused more about this topic, and that you have all the tools in hands to enjoy a wonderful vacation on our island.