Ahead of the Easter holidays, the Commerce Commission is reminding businesses if they apply a surcharge it needs to be clearly disclosed to consumers.
Commissioner Anna Rawlings said surcharges were sometimes applied to recover additional costs such as staff wages, as employees get a higher pay rate when working a public holiday under the Holidays Act.
She said it was the responsibility of the companies to clearly and accurately inform consumers there was a surcharge.
"It is important consumers are made aware of a business's intention to add a surcharge upfront so they can make a decision about whether they are prepared to pay it or buy elsewhere," Rawlings said.
"Businesses that are planning to add a surcharge this Easter need to alert potential customers to it, such as by using a prominently placed sign outside the café or at the bar counter."
