Here is the itemized bill from La Grande Orange in Pasadena. It contains a new line item that I find troubling.

We hadn’t eaten at La Grande Orange Cafe for a while and on Tuesday night we had an excellent meal there.  When the bill came there was an unusual line item just above the sales tax labeled Health Bnft.  We asked the server and she explained that it was to pay for employee health benefits.  Now I favor employees having health benefits but this is wrong in many ways and they will be forced to stop by the authorities, by market forces or by both.  You can’t advertise one price and then charge another.  Hotels tried  with hidden “resort fees” and were forced to back down.

This is what I wrote to the parent corporation on their contact page:

“What is the reason for a 3% charge titled “Health Bnft” on the bill at LGO in Pasadena.  It is a hidden charge and seems wrong.  You quote one price on your menu and then charge 3% more.  It may be illegal.  Test the idea with a 30% charge and see if it is okay.”
Simon

I just noticed that this means that the state collects a tiny bit less sales tax because of the way they are calculating this charge.