Serbian café charges fee for dogs at tables sparks controversy
Dog owners visiting a café in Nova Varoš, Serbia, were surprised by an unusual bill. In addition to the ordered drinks, the receipt included a fee for... the presence of a dog at the table. This unconventional practice sparked lively reactions among dog owners and other animal lovers.
It's hard to believe that such a situation could actually happen, and yet... The incident took place on 21 July, when a social media user shared a picture of the receipt from the café in Nova Varoš, Serbia.
In addition to the ordered cold Nescafé, the receipt featured an item describing the cost of "pet presence at the table" amounting to 500 dinars, or roughly £4.
The picture quickly gained popularity, sparking a wide discussion in the group "Vacations with a Dog".
The vast majority of users were surprised by the new practice. Many people expressed their outrage, not hiding their astonishment that the café decided on such a fee.
I don't understand how they could issue such a bill without shame - wrote one woman in a comment.
Another added that if she had to pay for her three dogs, the cost would be about £13.
However, not everyone was against this policy. Some voices defended the café's decision.
For me, it's okay; there are people who don't like dogs and don't feel comfortable eating next to someone else's dog - stated one of the internet users.
Situation analysis
The fee for having a dog at the table can be controversial, but it has its justification. Not every café guest feels comfortable in the company of animals, and the additional fee may cover costs related to maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper sanitary conditions.
From the perspective of dog owners, this fee may be seen as unnecessary and excessive, but from the point of view of the café's management, it may be a way to balance the needs of different groups of customers.
