Contracts
The author of this response is asked to answer to three high-level scenarios, with a few sub-scenarios and questions thrown in. The first one regards a "fine dining" restaurant, the second speaks of distant deal making and the third refers to cover charges and any associated gratuity provisions. These questions will be addressed one at a time.
The first question pertains to a restaurant where the nascent stages of the dinner are started including water, bread/butter and such. However, looking at the menu reveals that the subject cannot afford what is on the menu. The assignment then asks whether the subject has an obligation to pay. The answer would probably be no unless there is a clear and define charge associated with entering the restaurant, taking a sweet or from the water/bread itself. If, instead, something is ordered and no mention...
Short of that, there is likely no financial obligation.
As for the cover charge/gratuity question of whether the charges apply even if the fine print is not seen or read, the charges would generally apply so long as the person is given the menu. The menu, in most ways, is the "contract" and just because a person does not read said fine print does not mean it does not apply. It is akin to people who blindly accept the terms and conditions of a software program. Just because it wasn't read does not mean it wouldn't be enforced should the need arise.
It would be better if the waiter/waitress clearly stated the terms in…
