Formal — to staff
Izakaya · Dining
You
こちらはお通しですか？必須のチャージですか、それとも断れますか？
こちらはおとおしですか？ひっすのチャージですか、それともことわられますか？
Is this the "otoshi" (table charge appetizer)? Is it a mandatory charge, or can I refuse it?
Romaji: Kochira wa otōshi desu ka? Hissu no chāji desu ka, sore tomo kotowaremasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake gozaimasen, tōten de wa otōshi wa hissu to natte orimasu.
Reply
申し訳ございません、当店ではお通しは必須となっております。
もうしわけございません、とうてんではおとおしはひっすとなっております。
We apologize, but at our restaurant, the "otoshi" is mandatory.
Gesture & etiquette
Point to the small dish that was brought without being ordered.
It's generally considered impolite to refuse "otoshi" at places where it's mandatory, as it's part of the dining culture and covers table charge. Ask politely before it's served if possible.