Corkage refers to a fee charged by a restaurant, bar, or similar establishment for the service of bringing and serving one's own bottle of alcoholic beverage, typically wine. The term 'corkage' itself is derived from the cork that seals a wine bottle.
This practice may be prevalent in establishments that hold liquor licenses, allowing them to legally sell alcoholic beverages. Consequently, bringing a personal bottle of wine, champagne, or other alcoholic beverage may be perceived as a loss of business for the establishment since the customer is not purchasing their drinks. To compensate for this, corkage fees are often imposed, which vary from one establishment to another.
Corkage fees are intended to cover the costs associated with opening, decanting, and serving the wine, as well as providing glassware and any necessary accessories such as corkscrews or decanters. These fees are usually per bottle and can range in price depending on the caliber of the establishment, its location, and the level of service provided.
Corkage fees may also serve as a deterrent for customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages, as it may be more cost-effective to simply purchase the available options from the establishment. Additionally, some establishments may have specific policies or restrictions regarding corkage, such as limiting it to certain days, times, or types of alcoholic beverages.
Overall, corkage is the fee charged by a hospitality establishment for the service of serving a customer's personal bottle of alcoholic beverage, ensuring the establishment is compensated for the potential loss of revenue from not selling their own drinks.
