20 cents for an extra bowl? Bukit Canberra hawkers say it's to cover washing costs
Stalls at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre are starting to impose a 20-cent charge on customers who request an additional bowl or plate.
According to Shin Min Daily News, vendors said the fee is meant to discourage diners from taking extra tableware unnecessarily.
Meanwhile, a customer who recently visited the hawker centre shared with Shin Min his uncomfortable experience: "My wife bought the food, and when I returned to the same stall to ask for an extra bowl, the stall owner questioned whether I had made a purchase from them."
Vendors claim the charge is necessary
When Shin Min visited the hawker centre, at least seven stalls were seen displaying posters informing customers of the additional charges and warning against taking bowls or plates without permission.
"After our contract was updated last month, the dishwashing fee we pay to management rose from $6 to $7 per box. Depending on sales, we use one or two boxes per day," a Thai food stall owner told Shin Min.
She added that the stall's notice clarifies the first bowl is free, while a 20-cent fee applies for every additional one.
She noted that when customers request multiple sets of cutlery for a single order, staff have to explain why the additional charges are necessary.
Another stall, Haha Family, posted a sign reading: "Please do not take bowls without permission."
"We'll provide extra bowls if asked, but we don't want customers taking them on their own. The notice has been up for two to three months, mostly as a reminder. Once people know there's a charge, they back off," said Ms Chen (transliterated), a staff member of the stall.
According to a fried hokkien mee seller, Mr Zhuo (transliterated) said that the monthly dishwashing cost exceeds $500.
"Once, a female customer came to buy food, and her husband came to take the bowls and plates. I asked him about it but he retorted, asking why he couldn't take them," Mr Zhuo recounted.
He also added that they "argued and ended up calling the police, but it was quite some time ago", while noting that he usually does not charge customers for one or two bowls, although some customers insist on paying.
