$148 coffee bill: Tourists Outraged Over Massive Bill In Venice

Tourist in Outrage Over $148 Coffee Bill while Touring Venice

Venice, Italy – the level of corruption and exploitation by Italian merchants on unsuspecting tourists continues unabated despite efforts by the Italian government to crack down on such abuses and avoid harm to Italy’s lucrative tourism trade.

It was only this past May that tourists in Rome were charged €64 ($84 USD) for four servings of gelato, reports the Telegraph.

“The prices are there for everyone to see, there really is no doubt. It is for customers to decide whether they want to have a coffee standing up at the bar, or to sit down in the piazza,” Massimo Milanese, the manager, told The Daily Telegraph.
“The café was established in 1750 so we are one of the most historic in Venice. It was patronised by Richard Wagner and many other famous people. It’s part of the city’s history.”

Now, a group of Italians from Rome were on vacation in Venice and enjoyed four coffees mixed some alcohol and were charged £85 ($130 USD). At that price, you think the liquor used in the drinks was taken from the Queen of England’s personal stash. The group was merely wanting to enjoy an Italian aperitivo (alcoholic appetizer) prior to eating. It appears they made the fateful decision to not inquire as to the cost of the drinks before ordering.

The standard price of an espresso in Italy is €1. The alcohol would reasonably add more to the cost. However, this particular venue charged €6 per espresso brining the bill to €24. The liquor added another €34.80 to the bill and the five member band that played music was apparently not there to merely add ambiance. The tourists were charged €42 for the privilege of hearing the band play. How much of that €42 do you think the band got to see?

On The Web:
Venice tourists outraged by £85 bill for four liqueur coffees
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/10253297/Venice-tourists-outraged-by-85-bill-for-four-liqueur-coffees.html

A GROUP of holidaymakers were shocked to receive a bill of over 100 euros ($148) after ordering drinks at an outdoor cafe in Venice.
http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/tourists-shocked-by-8216ridiculous8217-bill-for-coffees-in-venice/story-e6frfq80-1226701754053