The Consumer Protection and Defense Authority (Acodeco) emphasizes that the tip or gratuity for services rendered is voluntary as established by Law 45 of 2007, article 56. That is to say, it is not mandatory for the consumer. The economic agent may suggest a percentage, but the consumer is not obliged to pay it.
The percentage of the tip is a decision of the consumer and should reflect their perception of the service received, the attention, and the overall quality of the service. Often, complaints arise when the total amount consumed and the amount suggested as a tip are not detailed in the bill, which can cause confusion.
Consumers have the option to file any complaint through the Institutional Information and Complaint System (Sindi), WhatsApp and Telegram 6330-3333, or through Acodeco's social media and website. If a restaurant includes the tip in the final bill, the consumer is not obliged to pay it, according to current law.
Jaime Guzmán, head of the Acodeco Investigation Department, mentions that during the past year 14 complaints were received for this reason, but so far no irregularities have been reported this month. Regarding the required tip percentage, which varies between 10 and 30 percent in some establishments, Guzmán points out that it is not regulated, although most restaurants request a minimum of 10 percent tip.
