Corkage fee: what it is and how to implement it?

Charging a corkage fee at restaurants is a common practice, but one that tends to raise many questions: is it permitted by law? Is it mandatory? What's the amount? How do you set the rules? Is it worth charging?

In this article, we'll answer these questions and give you some tips to implement it in your restaurant. Check it out!

What is a corkage fee?

The corkage fee is an amount charged by restaurants when the customer prefers to bring their own alcoholic beverage, such as wines and sparkling wines, to go with the meal.

This is a common practice at mid- and high-end restaurants, which offer a wine list with different labels. It's a way to ensure the business's profitability and cover the cost of the service.

The charge is permitted by the Consumer Protection Code, as long as the customer is informed in advance of the amount and the conditions, such as accepted types of drinks and quantities, for example.

If the customer isn't informed in advance, they can refuse to pay the corkage fee. Therefore, in these cases, it isn't mandatory.

Why charge a corkage fee?

Many customers prefer to bring their own drink when they go to a restaurant. There are several motivations for this: to drink a beverage that isn't available on the Menu, celebrate a special occasion with an exclusive label, or simply save money.

Although many managers feel unsure about implementing this fee, fearing it will discourage consumption from the restaurant's wine list, it's actually a way to please customers and provide a personalized experience. 

The corkage fee serves to cover the costs of the service, such as the use of the wine glasses or other glasses, proper storage of the beverage, and specialized service, which can include suggestions of dishes that pair well with the chosen label.

In addition, the corkage fee helps ensure that the restaurant has a profit margin, even if the customer doesn't order any drink from the menu. For this, good planning is needed, setting amounts and rules that are advantageous for both the customer and the establishment.

Below, see some tips for implementing the corkage fee in your restaurant.

Tips for implementing the corkage fee in your restaurant

Transparency is essential when charging any type of fee at your restaurant. The customer needs to clearly understand what the amounts and rules of the service are. That way, you avoid confusion and conflicts and provide a good experience.

To implement the corkage fee, some points that should be considered are:

Define the types of drinks

Many restaurants apply the corkage fee only to wines and sparkling wines, but you can decide whether you'll allow customers to bring other alcoholic beverages, such as craft beers, spirits, or even high-quality non-alcoholic drinks.

Besides avoiding misunderstandings, this definition also helps the restaurant plan the service, providing glasses and training waiters to open, serve, and store the drinks properly.

Establish the quantities

it's also important to establish the number of bottles that customers can bring. This helps prevent the consumption of outside drinks from hurting the sales of your wine list or other bar items too much.

Some restaurants limit the quantity to one or two bottles per table. However, if you often host events or larger groups, consider a special policy for those cases, always making clear what the limits are.

Calculate the corkage fee amount

The corkage fee amount should reflect the operating costs of the service, but it also needs to be fair and compatible with your audience's profile. High-end restaurants can charge higher amounts, while more informal establishments can opt for lower fees.

The calculation can include the cost of the sommelier service (if any), the glasses, storage, and opening the bottles. Typically, the amounts range from R$ 30 to R$ 150, depending on the restaurant and the level of service.

Create a clear policy

Having a clear policy for charging the corkage fee makes communication with customers and team training easier.

Include the amounts charged, the types of drinks allowed, the maximum quantities, and any other rule, such as the need for a prior reservation, for example.

This policy should be available on the restaurant's website and on the menu, to ensure that customers are aware.

Communicate with your customers

As we saw earlier, charging the corkage fee is allowed, as long as the customer is informed in advance. Therefore, communication should be a priority.

Besides including the policy on the website and menu, you should also train your team to inform customers of the charge at the time of booking and put up signage with posters in the establishment.

Treine sua equipe

Waiters, service staff, and sommeliers should be well informed about the policy, the amount charged, and how to handle the drinks brought by customers.

In addition, the training should include the correct opening, handling, and serving of the bottles, ensuring the customer has a pleasant and professional experience.

Offer your customers a distinctive experience

The corkage fee can be an excellent option for restaurants that want to increase revenue and improve the customer experience, as long as it's implemented strategically and transparently.

With a clear policy, fair amounts, and a well-trained team, your establishment can benefit from this practice and meet the expectations of customers who want to bring their own drinks.

And, to provide exceptional service, you can count on EPOC! We offer a restaurant system with all the features you need for more speed and quality in your service.

To learn about our solutions and understand how we can help your restaurant, fale com nossos consultores!