Do you tip?

The arguments do hold in the UK though. And besides, even in America, why is it the patron's responsibility to make sure the restaurant isn't acting illegally? Surely the onus to ensure fair wages lies with the owners of the restaurant, and if they're breaking the law they should be reported.

Come off it love. Tipping waiters is like tradition. Tipping doctors (who don't expect to be tipped) isn't. People who think they know better than these traditions (like you), and think that they know better pretty much emphasises their arrogant personalities.

" Ooooh!!!! But It's their JOB!!! They're EXPECTED to be polite!!!!!! Why should I pay them EXTRA!!!!" Just STFU, if you don't want to tip, don't tip, but you'll be hated for it.

I bet not many waiters/waitresses declare their tips to HM Revenue & Customs....

I'm not going to judge whether or not they hold in the UK...I don't think I've spent enough time there to make that judgment. I was just saying that they don't hold in the US.

And it depends on how you define responsibility. No, it is not our job to make sure people are paid fairly. But I think there is some kind of moral responsibility there. If you know that a person will be losing money through taxes, which were set up based on a social norm that people are expected to follow, then there might be something wrong with it.

The restaurants do get reported...if people find out. All too often, though, the people being cheated are not in a position to report it, either because they do not know the laws, are too young to know, etc.

A lot of people seem to be under the misconception that the tip automatically goes to the individual waiter/waitress. I've worked in 6 restaurants over the last five years and in every place, the tips are shared equally among the staff (including chef etc.).



They're meant to, otherwise they can get shafted. If the restaurant handles the tips, and it doesnt go straight into the waiters pocket, then they have to declare them.

Basically, if you ever work in a restaurant, you're gonna be really biased about tipping. I know that if a table has been particularly demanding and I've had to make a real effort to care for them over the hour or two they have been in the restaurant, and then they dont tip, it really pisses me off. That said, i would probably have a different attitude if I had never worked in catering.

You're not 'supposed' to... society dictates that we should because it's courteous... but tips are still optional...

I think it's more than just courteous, probably an "expected" thing to do, so I do it. I guess when you're all a bit older you will all do it! As students we probably can get away with it without being looked down upon.

Smallprint on menu? Are you having a laugh?

You should never have to pay any more than what's on the menu. Why not put the price of the food up instead of charging for service?

This isn't an issue of common courtesy. Queuing is common courtesy. Saying please and thank you is common courtesy. Being asked (and in some cases decieved) to pay more than what you have consumed is frankly rude.

The main point here is that you are just doing your job. Ok you may have to work very hard for an hour or two, but who doesn't? I bust a gut at work without any further remuneration. How is that fair?

don't be cheAp and give the overworked and underpaid waitress a bonus. Also if you go back you'll get the best service. 10% should be ok

It's not fair, i know that. But its about one of the only rewarding things in the job. Try working as a waiter for a month, you will see what I mean :P