'Chandigarh restaurants can't levy service charge'

Hotels and restaurants in Chandigarh have been barred from levying service charge on food bills by the city administration, saying the levy was not "backed by any statute".
"There will be no service charge on food bills that hotels and restaurants are levying on consumers as it is not backed by any statute," Ajit Balaji Joshi, Deputy Commissioner, UT Chandigarh said here today.
At present, several restaurants and hotels in Chandigarh are charging service charge on the total food bill at their will and there is no law in the country, which allowed levying of service charge, he said.
"By levying service charge, the restaurants are putting additional burden on consumers, who already have to pay taxes in the form of value added tax (VAT) and service tax," Joshi said.

The city administration also warned of taking strict action if hotels or restaurants levy service charge.
"Strict action will be taken if any customer is forced to pay any extra charge on the pretext of service charge," he said.

Last year, Union Finance Ministry had clarified that "service charge" collected by certain restaurants and hotels is not "service tax".
The administration had even inspected city-based restaurants and hotels to enquire about collection of such charges from consumers.
The Club, a 300-square-metre lounge, provides guests staying
on dedicated floors with personalised services and amenities. An e-concierge attends to guests' needs both inside and outside of the hotel.

Restaurants and Bar
Unique to Hong Kong, all five of the hotel's restaurants as well as its bar offer outdoor landscaped terraces overlooking Victoria Harbour - the perfect backdrop for the city's newest dining destination.
Hung Tong, the hotel's signature restaurant, honours Hong Kong's past while creating a modern experience of Chinese cuisine. Inspired by the 19th century shipyards that once dominated the Hung Hom Bay neighbourhood, red brick walls evoke the feeling of 'old Hong Kong' and are complemented by traditional metal gates, wooden vents, vintage-inspired chairs and tinted glass pendants.
The all-day dining restaurant, Big Bay Cafe, takes guests on a global culinary experience with seven individual pavilions dedicated to specific cooking methods and local and international cuisines. Aside from the buffet, diners can opt for lighter fare at the Grab n' Go Cart at the restaurant's entrance, where fresh pastries, deluxe sandwiches and premium coffee will be made daily for takeaway. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating.

While enjoying the Lobby Lounge's menu that features Asian-inspired cocktails, homemade soft drinks and reinterpretations of some of Hong Kong's favourite and nostalgic dishes, guests can relax in the surroundings furnished in soft hues of mauve, bronze and mineral grey accented by beige and boticino classico marble.
From the 270-degree wrap-around terrace at Red Sugar, the hotel's bar, sweeping views of Hong Kong's skyline adds to the vibrancy of the place when it transforms in the early evening with live music.
Dockyard, opening in May, brings international culinary talents together under one roof. Open from mid-morning to late night, it caters to every palate and craving at affordable pricing. With its own app for iOS and Android, Dockyard brings a modern convenience to diners enabling users to browse purveyors, menus, order food and drinks, and pay.

Meetings and Events
Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong is home to the city's largest pillar-less hotel ballroom and 17 beautifully appointed event spaces.
At an impressive 1,756 square metres, the Grand Ballroom can accommodate over 1,000 guests for a banquet and is ornately decorated with nearly 20,000 overhanging rock crystals. The venue is equipped with Hong Kong's largest LED wall measuring 15.4-metres wide by 4.3-metres high.
Another adaptable function space - the Hung Hom Ballroom, at 1,125 square metres, is dressed in hand-painted wall-coverings embellished in an artisanal gold patina.
Both ballrooms are capable of hosting conferences, weddings and special occasions and cleverly integrate indoor and outdoor space, with terraces offering uninterrupted views of Hong Kong's skyline.

Recreation
Overlooking Victoria Harbour, Base Camp Kerry Sports goes beyond the typical hotel fitness facility and extends an active lifestyle beyond the hotel's doors with outdoor activities including running clubs. Operating 24 hours a day, Base Camp includes a wide selection of fitness equipment, a 25-metre outdoor infinity swimming pool which is heated in winter, Jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and spa facilities.
In keeping with the hotel's myriad leisure pursuits The Bay Area Guide [https://bsmedia.business-standard.comwww.Shangri-
Transportation
Centrally located on Kowloon peninsula, guests of Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong can venture around the city by ferry, train, subway, bus, taxi, limousine, or on foot. The hotel is a short walk from the Hung Hom Ferry Pier, Whampoa MTR Station and Hung Hom Train Station. The Hong Kong International Airport and Airport Express Line (Kowloon station) are 40 minutes and 10 minutes car ride from the hotel, respectively. Tsim Sha Tsui East, the famed shopping district, is within a short walking distance.

Introductory Offer
From now until 31 July 2017, guests booking the exclusive opening offer will enjoy the following benefits:
- A choice of complimentary upgrade to the next room category or complimentary breakfast buffet for two persons per day or 20 % off the Best Available Rate
- Two complimentary drinks at Red Sugar per stay
- Complimentary minibar upon arrival
Terms and Conditions:
- The offer is only applicable to rooms (excluding suites) booked at the Best Available Rate and is subject to availability
- Stays must be completed by 31 July 2017
- Bookings must be made directly with the hotel via telephone (852) 3069 9988, email

reservations.Khhk@thekerryhotels.Com or the hotel's website
Http://www.Shangri-la.Com/hongkong/kerry.
About Kerry Hotels
Launched in February 2011 in Pudong, Shanghai with a sister property in Beijing, Kerry hotels are urban lifestyle destinations seamlessly integrated with their surrounding environment. They cater to both visitors and local residents. Extensive sports and wellness facilities and trend-setting food and beverage concepts appeal to the youthful and spirited business and leisure traveller looking for a quality five-star hotel that focuses on their individual lifestyle needs. Kerry hotels represent passionate hospitality wrapped up in a stylish package. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at http://www.Thekerryhotels.Com.

Media Contacts:
Sharon Foo
Director of Communications
The Kerry Hotels
Sharon.Foo@thekerryhotels.Com
+(852)-2252-5851
For India
Brands We Love LLP
Deepa Misra Harris
+91-9820099771
Deepa.Harris@brandswelove.Org
Photo:
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Source: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.