Beware of French rip-offs !!!

[Cyberman]

I've worked in most countries in Eastern Europe, along with Australia, the Lebanon and Northern Africa for some period of time. At no time was 50% off the defacto standard.

Most of the places I've been to recently happy hour has been about 33% off.

I expect the terms of the happy hour were displayed openly in 8 point font for all to see.

If you're that troubled by it complain to the local trading standards agency. They seem to kick off in France about the slightest consumer infringement so you might actually get the place shut down.

The terms were NOT OPENLY DISPLAYED. That is why I am angry....... and obviously they were not for a reason!!

[Moscow Mule]

Call me paranoid but I always check the potential damage before buying several rounds, especially when abroad, Paris is well know for ripping off pint drinkers.

You're paranoid, but probably with good reason.

I heard the tale of two chaps I was working with in Budapest when it just becoming civilised again (1999ish). They had gone to a t***y bar and had been presented with a menu for drinks, very reasonable - two beers and a whisky each please. On coming to leave they were presented with a bill for 10x as much, a menu with the inflated prices to prove it and two rather large, mean looking gentlemen.

[expat]

Call me paranoid but I always check the potential damage before buying several rounds, especially when abroad, Paris is well know for ripping off pint drinkers.

Well, they are just not selling what Brits probably think they are buying. A drink in a cafe is not just a drink, it's a fee to sit in their space. It should last you an hour, after all you're out for socialising aren't you, intoxicating yourself you can do at home. And 1 drink is a half-pint, so you're having 2 each time. That's 4 drinks, enough for a whole evening out. 13.50€ is pretty cheap for that, don't you think?