A tourist from Hong Kong has paid 990 euro for a beer in a pub near via Veneto in Rome, only a few months after an American tourist paid 980 euro for two beers. The case was brought to attention in April 2006 by lawyer Sergio Scicchitano, delegate of the mayor of Rome at the Consumer Protection Office.
The Hong Kong tourist said that he was taken to the pub by another tourist, a Brazilian, whom he met while having a walk on
piazza Barberini. Once in the pub, the tourist became aware that something was wrong but still had a beer and exchanged a few words with two ladies . He drank his beer while the two women ordered a glass of champagne each, for which the man refused to pay.
The bill was initially 990 euro, then the tourist managed to obtain a discount of 490 euro and accepted to pay 500 euro with his credit card. However, later he discovered that 990 euro had been taken from his account in favour of another trader, a restaurant in the area.
Cases of such bills are fortunately isolated but this is a phenomenon which has to be dealt with because the respect for regulations is important for the development of the capital, Sergio Scicchitano said.
A total 92 cases of tourists have been referred to the Consumer Protection office over the past year.
The key word is information. Citizens and tourists should be aware of their rights and obligations, Scicchitano added.
