D4R,
To expand on your answers above, and quoting from JSP 752,
if the service charge/gratuity is included in the bill then any percentage is payable, but only up to your daily subsitence limit. A maximum 10% optional gratuity is admissable.
03.0111. Gratuities and Service Charges. If a gratuity (which is optional) or service charge (which may be discretionary) is included in the bill, it may be reclaimed. It is recognised that countries have different customs and expected percentages vary. As a general rule, any gratuity or service charge not included in the bill may be claimed, but should not exceed 10% of the value of the bill. Total reimbursement for food, drinks and gratuities or service charges is restricted to the DS limit.
Incidental expenses is a flat rate £5 in UK, and £10 overseas, payable if concurrently with Night subsistance. There is no reason why you can not claim for IE as part of an advance of rates.
03.0113. Incidental Expenses (IE). IE are designed to cover necessary personal incidental expenses actually incurred when an overnight absence in a hotel or temporary Service single accommodation is occupied. Allowable expenses are the cost of laundry/dry cleaning expenses, a daily telephone call home of up to 3 minutes duration and a daily newspaper. IE may be paid concurrently with all types of NS, but not with DS. Reimbursement of actual expenditure is to be supported by receipts (see paragraph 03.0171) and is limited to the rates at Chapter 1 Section 6.
For what it is worth, here we have been told that a 1/2 bottle of wine or two beers is acceptable with a meal.
Y_G