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Couple Busted for Refusing to Pay Tip

Schweddy

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Is a "gratuity" required?

I've always thought the extra added gratuity for groups of 6 or more are actually part of the bill and I *never* tip above that.

LOL, they should have forced the bar to split the ticket....no we are not a 'party/group' we just want to sit together. :)

Patrons claim service was so bad, they had to get napkins and silverware for themselves

If you’re frustrated by poor service at a restaurant, think twice before you decide to not tip. You may be in for a bit more than just a dirty look from the waiter.

"Nobody, nobody wants to be forced to pay a tip or be arrested for terrible service," Leslie Pope said when her happy hour ended in handcuffs.

Pope and John Wagner were hauled away by police and charged with theft for not paying the mandatory 18 percent gratuity totaling $16 after eating at the Lehigh Pub in Bethlehem, Pa. with six friends.

Pope claimed that they had to wait nearly an hour for their order and that she had to get napkins and silverware for the table herself.
More, plus a vid: Couple Busted for Refusing to Pay Tip | NBC Philadelphia

What do you think?
 
So, it's really a 16% tax, not a tip?
 
So, it's really a 16% tax, not a tip?

It is part of the bill and it is typically openly displayed in establishments that follow such a policy. Sixteen percent is scandalously low for a sitdown restaurant, and I wouldn't consider such a small tip unless the service was particularly bad without any obvious justification. Large parties that refuse to tip are inexcusable unless the service is atrocious-- and at that point they should have been taking the issue up with the management long before it was time to settle the check.

I usually tip better than that in places where the employees receive the full minimum wage.
 
I tip based on standards, combined with quality of service. I've only had a truly awful experience once or twice, in which case I didn't tip whatsoever.
 
It is part of the bill and it is typically openly displayed in establishments that follow such a policy. Sixteen percent is scandalously low for a sitdown restaurant, and I wouldn't consider such a small tip unless the service was particularly bad without any obvious justification. Large parties that refuse to tip are inexcusable unless the service is atrocious-- and at that point they should have been taking the issue up with the management long before it was time to settle the check.

I usually tip better than that in places where the employees receive the full minimum wage.

What do you mean by a sit down restaurant? If you mean a regular restaurant rather than fast food, then 10-20% is the standard, at least in my neck of the woods, with 15% being the acceptable decent tip.
 
I think the restaurant went to far having them arrested over 16 dollars.

Also I think tips are a reflection of service. Bad service gets a bad tip.
 
I think the restaurant went to far having them arrested over 16 dollars.

Also I think tips are a reflection of service. Bad service gets a bad tip.

There are a few restaurants the automatically include the tip in the bill and they let you know ahead of time. It's very common in the UK, one reason the Brits are such sucky tippers when they visit the States.
 
It is part of the bill and it is typically openly displayed in establishments that follow such a policy. Sixteen percent is scandalously low for a sitdown restaurant, and I wouldn't consider such a small tip unless the service was particularly bad without any obvious justification. Large parties that refuse to tip are inexcusable unless the service is atrocious-- and at that point they should have been taking the issue up with the management long before it was time to settle the check.

I usually tip better than that in places where the employees receive the full minimum wage.

You sir, win one free Internets!
 
There are a few restaurants the automatically include the tip in the bill and they let you know ahead of time. It's very common in the UK, one reason the Brits are such sucky tippers when they visit the States.

A lot of places do it here too on like parties of 6 or more.
 
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-qV9wVGb38"]YouTube- Reservoir Dogs - Tipping Scene[/ame]

Game Set Match
 
A lot of places do it here too on like parties of 6 or more.

Right, that's true.

One thing to remember when tipping is that the IRS now taxes people who work as waitresses and waiters on the assumption that they will receive tips. It's important to do so.

My rule of thumb is 10% for rude service, 15% is my norm, 20% for above average or very likable server, 25% if I don't order much and the check will be small.
 
Is a "gratuity" required?

I've always thought the extra added gratuity for groups of 6 or more are actually part of the bill and I *never* tip above that.

LOL, they should have forced the bar to split the ticket....no we are not a 'party/group' we just want to sit together. :)


More, plus a vid: Couple Busted for Refusing to Pay Tip | NBC Philadelphia

What do you think?
Obviously, CHANGE is in order....more of Obama's change ? Or mine?
The so-called gratuity is quite the misnomer. People should NOT have to be thanked for doing their job.
This is wrong.
Change this so-called gratuity for service and incorporate it into the bill.
Let "tipping " be what it should be.
Many people can barely afford the fare, much less the "gratuity".
The police becoming involved, may or may not be right...I think people do over-react, one of many problems.:spin:
 
What I would love to see at a fine dining establishment is this :
"We pay our staff a living or decent wage, no tipping is accepted".
 
Is a "gratuity" required?

I've always thought the extra added gratuity for groups of 6 or more are actually part of the bill and I *never* tip above that.

LOL, they should have forced the bar to split the ticket....no we are not a 'party/group' we just want to sit together. :)


More, plus a vid: Couple Busted for Refusing to Pay Tip | NBC Philadelphia

What do you think?

This is a crappy way to do business. The manager should have given the gratuity out of the cash register when the customers weren't happy. Calling the cops and having these people arrested is appalling. Calling the cops period for something like this is beyond the realm of sanity.

Gratuities are optional whether they're incorporated into the bill or not, and should be up to the customer when they are through whether they wish to pay the full amount or not.

We sure settle for a lot of stuff when we shouldn't. If I were that couple I'd counter sue.
 
One thing to remember when tipping is that the IRS now taxes people who work as waitresses and waiters on the assumption that they will receive tips. It's important to do so.

On top of the fact that they're legally allowed to be paid one-half the minimum wage.

My rule of thumb is 10% for rude service, 15% is my norm, 20% for above average or very likable server, 25% if I don't order much and the check will be small.

I start at five dollars. Servers get five dollars for bringing me a soft drink, noticing that it's empty more than once, and refilling it. After that, I try to tip between 20% and 25% of the bill for any server who manages not to piss me off. I rarely tip more than 25%, and only as a consequence of someone being especially accommodating.
 
I start at five dollars. Servers get five dollars for bringing me a soft drink, noticing that it's empty more than once, and refilling it. After that, I try to tip between 20% and 25% of the bill for any server who manages not to piss me off. I rarely tip more than 25%, and only as a consequence of someone being especially accommodating.

I got pissed at a place the other night so much so that i complained to the manager. The young man got a chewing out like he deserved. I got a reduced bill. I tipped about 40% on that bill.
 
Is a "gratuity" required?

I've always thought the extra added gratuity for groups of 6 or more are actually part of the bill and I *never* tip above that.

LOL, they should have forced the bar to split the ticket....no we are not a 'party/group' we just want to sit together. :)


More, plus a vid: Couple Busted for Refusing to Pay Tip | NBC Philadelphia

What do you think?

I think we should drop this ridiculous tipping thing and just pay people to do their jobs. It would prevent absurdities like this.
 
I remember when I was about 4 years old my mom explaining tipping to me at a diner. I asked her why she was leaving money on the table.

I always leave a good tip but waiters are really good in my town. In Europe I leave American cash as an extra tip on top of the added tip. ;)
 
A tip/gratuity is a gift of money, over and above payment due for service and is up to the patron to decide based on caliber of service.

If it is added to the bill it's a surcharge or even hidden cost.The couple could have a case for plenty of damages on all kinds of grounds.
 
I have a friend who leaves a dollar tip regardless of the service. That's it. Plus, she asks for extra stuff all the time, like extra rolls, refills etc. She's a huge pest. When I'm with her, I pay the bill, and leave extra money under my plate. She's an embarrassment. But this is what happens when people work for tips.
 
I have a friend who leaves a dollar tip regardless of the service. That's it. Plus, she asks for extra stuff all the time, like extra rolls, refills etc. She's a huge pest. When I'm with her, I pay the bill, and leave extra money under my plate. She's an embarrassment. But this is what happens when people work for tips.

I would not go out with her!
 
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