Those visiting the island of Majorca this summer may find the way they pay for their drinks and meals has changed. Many restaurants and bars are looking at implementing self-payment systems, which could limit the amount of payment options for tourists.
Speaking to Majorca Daily Bulletin, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, Juanmi Ferrer, said that the changes could be the only way for some restaurants to survive. “It is the only solution to be able to stay open”, he said, citing the need to be able to balance staffing levels and staying profitable, especially during the low season.
Juanmi said that many restaurants are now changing to a system where customers can pay using a QR code. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many restaurants already switched to ordering via QR, so this would also add an easy option for payment.
Some restaurants may also start offering the option to pay at the till, similar to the way many Italian restaurants operate. Customers could simply place their orders and pay the bill on arrival before being seated. This would mean fewer waiting staff are needed to cover tables.
Moving over to these options could potentially limit payment methods for visitors to Majorca, as it could mean more bars and restaurants becoming cashless. Tourists should check whether their bank charges fees for using their card abroad before they travel.
Anselmo Cardona, manager at café Can Joan de s’Aigo in Palma, was quoted as saying: “In the hospitality industry, human warmth will always be necessary”, although he believes that “automation is unstoppable”.
Anselmo also felt that the change in ordering and payment methods would mainly affect more casual establishments, with upmarket bars and restaurants tending to stick to the more traditional service options.