cover charge

noun

a fee, in addition to the cost of food and drink, charged by a restaurant, nightclub, etc., for entertainment.

Also called cover.

Compare minimum (def 4).

Origin

1920-25, Americanism

Examples from the web for cover charge

One cover charge will gain you access to all four themed dancing areas.
Indeed, bars and restaurants jack up their prices and often have a cover charge on the big night.
If you sit down for a drink, you've implicitly agreed to pay the cover charge, which will come with your tab.
The cover charge varies depending on scheduled events.
The bar is cash-only, but you usually pay no cover charge to see the musical acts and belly dancers who often perform.
Live bands play often here and the restaurant never charges a cover charge.
Club promotions, cover charge discounts and drink specials are available seven nights a week.
It features a variety of live music nightly, and there is never a cover charge to get in.
Catering that includes the sale of such beverages is also taxable, as is a portion of a cover charge that includes beverages.
White patrons were admitted without being charged a cover charge.

British Dictionary definitions for cover charge

noun

a sum of money charged in a restaurant for each individual customer in addition to the cost of food and drink