"Comedian Criticizes COVID Fees and Credit Card Surcharges"

Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco criticized a restaurant for charging a $3 "COVID fee" for wiping down menus, questioning the necessity of the charge. He also expressed disapproval of a 3.5% credit card surcharge during the same meal, urging businesses to absorb such costs as part of doing business. While some restaurants implemented COVID-related fees during the pandemic to cover additional expenses, Maniscalco's comments reflect growing scrutiny over the continuation of such fees as the pandemic winds down.