what is cover charge in pub

A cover charge is a fixed amount added to the bill at a nightclub, bar, or restaurant. It is an entrance fee that customers must pay to enter the establishment, and it is usually charged on nights when there is live entertainment or a DJ. Bars and clubs use cover charges for several reasons. For example, popular bars and clubs may have a substantial excess demand, and patrons are lined up outside the club waiting to get in. In this case, the club can gain additional revenue from customers by requiring an entrance charge. Cover charges are also used to cover the costs of hiring performers, paying the waitstaff, and paying rent. Some bars have different cover charges for legal drinking-age customers and for minors who may not purchase or drink alcohol. Some bars have lower cover charges for certain categories, such as college or university students with student identification. In some cases, the cover charge is an amount that the club or pub charges even if the customer did not order a drink or have a meal.