What is BYO and corkage and why do I have to pay?

BYO

BYO stands for Bring Your Own and if your restaurant is BYO it means that you are allowed to bring your own bottle of wine rather than purchase from the restaurant’s own wine list. In some cases it may include beer as well, but it best to check first. Many restaurants are licensed to serve alcohol, in which case you may choose whether to BYO or purchase from the restaurant’s drinks menu.

Corkage

Restaurants which do have a liquor licence usually charge ‘corkage’ for those patrons who bring their own alcohol. Corkage is a fee covering use of the restaurant’s glassware, for keeping the beverage cold and for the service of the wait staff. You cannot avoid corkage with a screw top bottle as you are paying for a service. Corkage charges vary. Some restaurants may charge a low fee and others a high fee, at their discretion. Some restaurants charge corkage per bottle and others charge per person dining at the table regardless of whether they drink the wine or not. This will depend entirely on the venue as there is no standard.

Consider the costs

Some restaurants charge such a high corkage fee per bottle that it is more economical to purchase your wine from that restaurant and save your BYO dining for another venue. Corkage charges can be as little as $1.50 per person up to $50 per bottle, so to avoid leaving a sour taste in your mouth, ask about corkage charges when making your reservation.

To check the BYO status of the restaurant and for confirmation of what the corkage fee will be on your BYO beverage, contact the restaurant beforehand for confirmation.