Cafes tipped to feel bite

Price-wary consumers might steer clear of cafes charging a 15 per cent surcharge this Easter, an Auckland business leader predicts.

Newmarket Business Association general manager Cameron Brewer said consumers were being hit in the pocket from all directions in the current economic climate, and spending attitudes were changing. "With a roaring economy over the past few years, most people haven't minded paying a bit extra over Easter. However, this cavalier consumer attitude is changing, and quickly."

Restaurants and cafes began imposing surcharges on statutory holidays to help cover the cost of paying workers extra under the Holidays Act 2003.