A case of double tipping at the well‑known Hamilton restaurant "Sea Breeze" has sparked concern among local diners. Patrons, including a tourist from the United Kingdom, claimed they were asked to add a 15 % gratuity to their check, only to see the same percentage applied again when the bill was finalized. The first request was made by the server, who explained it was a customary practice for larger parties, while the second came from the kitchen staff who added the charge before the bill was presented.

The restaurant’s manager, James Harrington, acknowledged the confusion and confirmed that an internal oversight led to the duplication. He said the barista’s systems had been updated to include a default gratuity and that the oversight had caused the double application. The restaurant has since refunded the excess amount to the affected customers and issued a formal apology.

Local consumer protection authorities have opened a brief review to ensure such billing errors are prevented. The Bermuda Consumer Affairs Office has reminded businesses to keep clear records of all charges and to verify that software updates are properly tested.

While the incident has caused some frustration, the restaurant’s prompt response and the oversight investigation offer reassurance that the Bermuda hospitality sector remains committed to transparency and fair billing practices.