The idea of (discretionary) service charges which are added automatically to our bills without our consent is complete nonsense. They are simply exploiting peer pressure and British social norms (eg. avoid direct conflicts and social awkwardness and embarrassments especially when you are going on a date and to other social gatherings) to create more profits, not to mention staff members are now paid minimum wages. I have asked to have these charges removed for many months. We as consumers are legally and totally allowed to do so. However, when I asked them to remove the service charges, they often said they'd need to ask their managers. Why the hell did they need to ask managers if we are legally allowed to have the charges removed provided that the charges are discretionary? Even if they're not discretionary and instead compulsory, restaurants must inform consumers very clearly of the compulsory service charges; otherwise, consumers are legally allowed to have them removed.