Mandatory tipping at restaurants for big parties?

Question

If you are at a nice restaurant- most menus have an "mandatory tip of x% (usually 20%) for parties of 6 or more" on the bottom of the menu.

Does this mean the group is LEGALLY obligated to pay the tip? Meaning is there some "contract" that you enter into by ordering, thereby agreeing to their policy? In other words, if I don't pay the tip, can I be arrested?

I always tip- this is a legal question, not a moral one. I understand that waitresses make their $$ off tips, etc, and tipping is a big part of their income... That's not the issue- does anyone have any insight about the ramifications in terms of legailty if one does not want to pay the "auto-tip"

Answer 1

I think that sometimes people don't realize it and then "double tip". I think its wrong..

Answer 2

It is not mandatory to tip, nor is the amount carved in stone.
I have been to more then one restaurant with a large group. If you believe the server did not do as well as they could of because they "knew" they were going to get a tip from the large group policy get the manager and explain your concerns why you feel the tip is too large. Better yet, if halfway through the meal you already feel the service is bad contact the manager then.
Also if you pay by credit card watch your bill because it is a nasty habit of some servers to change the tip amount after you leave.
the restaurant.

Answer 3

I don't feel you should be forced to tip anyone. I do tip everywhere and I tip very well if the service is good but the problem is you get waitstaff who figure they are going to get the tip no matter what so you don't get the service you would if they were tring to get a tip. Plus if the service sucked why reward someone. i do understand that most places waitstaff make below min. wage but I don't like the fact of paying someone who may not have done their job. I guess though if it on the bill you gotta pay, unless you complain to managment if the service was bad.

Answer 4

Tipping should be mandatory. You pay for someone who serve you. If you can afford the 18%-20% tip. I suggested you order a take and save your 18%-20% tip. I was once a waitress, and earn my living off the tip. No matter how good your service is , lots of cheapskates only their pocket chain (nickel & dime). You can also identity cheapskate tipper is when they left quickly or come up to the counter to pay. Those never tip.

Answer 5

well, it is on the menu, you do see that when your ordering your food. now you get your bill, whether or not they take it that step further, is their decision. i feel, you know this going in, therefore a legal binding contract.

take it from me, living on tips is not always an easy thing. i used to do it. and when you deal with large parties, they can be poor tippers. heck even small ones can. the normal tipping for any "tip" service (not counter) is 15 to 20% of the bill (not taxes) the goverment makes a server claim 10 to 20% of the sales as reported income to be taxed. the sad thing is, how parents are not teaching their kids the understanding of tipping. my daughter has learned since she was old enough to learn math. and now she herself is in the "tip" income field and really understands it even more. now of course, you get lousey service you tip accordingly. maybe 5 to 10%. on the norm, i will leave between 15 to 20%, definately 20-25% for great service. but dont do what some do, you can not blame the server for how the food is cooked, thats the kitchens fault not the servers. BUT, i will blame the server for at least not asking if they can correct it. i may not choose to take her/his offer, but at least offer!.

Answer 6

confident, in a eating place, you would be able to desire to tip. it is not mandatory, in that the police won't come once you, yet no longer tipping could be very, very impolite. If the provider is powerful adequate which you do no longer sense you would be able to desire to whinge to the administrative, tip. Waitstaff are no longer paid minimum salary. they're taxed on suggestions, no count if or no longer they get them or no longer. leave the greater 20% for the waiter; some day you would be able to nicely be one, too.

Answer 7

Yes, you can - it's called "theft of services"!

Many restaurants add a mandatory gratuity because their servers earn the bulk of their income from tips, and some cheapskates do not tip appropriately.

So, the owners of those restaurants authorize their workers to add a gratuity to the check, to make sure that they get paid their fair share.

If that charge is on the check, it is considered a lawful charge, and you have to pay it.

If you try to stiff the restaurant, they can call the cops on you if they wanted to and they could press charges.

and why wouldn't you want to tip your server?

Didn't he/she do a good job?

If so, what's your problem with tipping them? That's how they pay their bills - the bulk of their income comes from your tips!

Answer 8

I have read "In groups of 6 or more an automatic gratuity of 18% is added to the bill."

Answer 9

Yes, especially if it is on the menu. Groups are notorious for tipping poorly (one jerk takes everyone's tip contributions to pay for his drinks, and decides that 8% is enough), that's why they need to do it.