Cover charge

A cover charge is an entrance fee sometimes charged at bars, nightclubs, or restaurants. The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as a ""fixed amount added to the bill at a nightclub or restaurant for entertainment or service."" In restaurants, cover charges (or ""couvert"" charges) generally do not include the cost of food that is specifically ordered, but in some establishments, they do include the cost of bread, butter, olives and other accompaniments which are provided as a matter of course.