Cover charge

A cover charge is an entrance fee sometimes charged at bars, nightclubs, or restaurants. The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as a "fixed amount added to the bill at a nightclub or restaurant for entertainment or service." In restaurants, cover charges (or "couvert" charges) generally do not include the cost of food that is specifically ordered, but in some establishments, they do include the cost of bread, butter, olives and other accompaniments which are provided as a matter of course.

Etymology

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a "cover charge" as "a charge for service added to the basic charge in a restaurant". Such a charge is made in many countries, usually described by the word equivalent to "cover" (couvert,coperto,cubierto, etc.). A place-setting at a restaurant, in English and in other languages, is often referred to as "a cover" or equivalent term in other languages. A term sometimes used in the US is "table charge". The charge is typically a few US dollars or equivalent. Although the charge is often said to be for bread, butter, olives, etc. taken to the table, it is payable whether or not they are eaten.