"Additional 750 Won Charge Each Time Pizza Is Cut" Controversy... "Because It's Not a Slice Pizza Shop"

"Criticism that the pandemic shock is being passed on to consumers"

An Italian pizza shop has sparked controversy for charging extra fees for pizza boxes and for cutting pizzas into slices.

Pizza cut into 4 slices. Mr. A paid an additional cost of about 3,000 won to cut this pizza into pieces.
[Image source=Captured from UK Daily Mail]

On the 24th (local time), the British Daily Mail reported, citing local Italian media, an incident that occurred on the 20th at a pizza shop in northern Italy. Mr. A, who took a pizza to go from this shop, noticed a discrepancy between the amount listed on the menu and the amount he paid when checking the receipt. Mr. A said, "The receipt showed the word 'cut' four times, and each cut cost 0.5 euros (about 750 won), totaling an additional 2 euros (about 3,000 won). On top of that, 4 euros (about 6,000 won) was charged for the pizza box," expressing his astonishment.

After Mr. A's story gained attention, the owner of the pizza shop issued a statement to local media, saying, "We are not a slice pizza shop," and added, "There is a cost for the service of cutting the pizza into slices and for the packaging box, and naturally, customers must pay for these."

Receipt showing 'Cut' 4 times and a charge for a pizza box. [Image source=Captured from UK Daily Mail]

Foreign media noted, "This is not the first time in Italy that small additional charges have caused a stir," and cited similar past cases. One gelato shop in Italy provides only one spoon, and additional spoons cost 1 euro (about 1,500 won) each. A customer who used the shop wrote in a review, "I paid an extra 1 euro for an additional spoon to share an 8-euro (about 12,000 won) gelato. I will never come back to this shop," and advised, "If you go, be sure to bring your own spoon from home."

It also caused outrage when it was revealed that a shop in front of Lake Como, one of Italy’s famous tourist spots, charged a fee for cutting sandwiches in half. The shop owner explained to local media, "To make a sandwich into two pieces, I have to use two plates, two napkins, and two hands to serve it," and added, "It is true that the customer is always right, but it is also true that additional requests come with a cost."

Local netizens responded with comments such as, "I have experienced this many times and have seen similar cases on travel information sites," and "Since the global pandemic broke out and ended, and travel has normalized, it seems many shops are trying to take advantage of tourists."