Despite a high level of consumer animosity regarding service charges on concert and film tickets ordered by credit card, the practice has spread to theatres. A Family Money reader says he recently ordered four £16 tickets to the coming Christmas pantomime at the Gaiety by credit card and there was no mention of a service charge. When the tickets arrived he realised he was charged a £2 service charge per ticket, increasing his bill from £64 to £72. The Gaiety confirmed that it charges £2 extra per ticket when customers book by credit card and that charges are indicated, as legally required, in its print and radio advertising.

It is unlikely that credit card companies are charging concert venues and theatres anything even close to £2 per ticket every time a credit card number is charged through the venue's machines.