Couple Arrested for Refusing to Pay Tip

[Stacerita]

I used to be a server so I'm very soap box on this subject. Yes, there are really bad servers at there, but 99 percent of the servers out there work there butt off to make every dime they can. When you don't tip a server for whatever reason you are really hurting that server.

And if the server is doing a sucky job, then they need to be hurt. Waiting for food, maybe not the servers fault, but having to get your own silverware and refills, yep, the server should have taken care of that.

 

[mkymouse1928]

Wait time on food NOT the server's fault.

It very well could be. We had a server forget to put our appetizer order in so it came out with our meal. The server, however, redeemed himself and immediately informed his manager. The manager came to our table, apologized, and explained the error. The app was comped, as well as a dessert (which ended up being a bonus for us because we NEVER order dessert).

 

[Papa Deuce]

If it that busy then leave, you don't complain about slow servvice when you see how busy they are

You know, I was a server at 4 different restaurants in my life, and I couldn't disagree with you more.

 

[JOCAmom]

I am very familiar with this story since it's my hometown. The only thing I have a problem with is the fact that everyone is completely believing what this couple says about the service. Yes, the manager admitted that their meals took a long time but how true is it that they had to get their own silverware and drinks? I'm not saying it didn't happen but nobody knows for sure it did either.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I used to be a server so I'm very soap box on this subject. Yes, there are really bad servers at there, but 99 percent of the servers out there work there butt off to make every dime they can. When you don't tip a server for whatever reason you are really hurting that server.

Even so, you believe handcuffs are the answer.

The only time I tried to "stiff" a server...was when the server NEGLECTED my table the ENTIRE TIME we were in the restaurant except towards the end.

We were at Shells, were seated and never got a server. I grabbed the first one I saw after a bit of a wait and she didn't know who our server was and opted to assist us and find a manager.

Between her and the manager we were served and it was eventually discovered that our serveer was waiting on a group adjacent to us and was new and was frazzled by what appeared to be a very persnickety group.

I felt she deserved no tip. My DH gave her a little and I highly disapproved. It was HER fault that she neglected us. Noone else's.

I did tip the server in the next section for stepping up to the plate.

Yes--the whole point of stiffing a server is to teach them a lesson.

We weren't in that restaurant and "Busy" isn't an excuse.

I would expect to be properly informed of any delays and not just ignored.

We do tip and we tip well. But if you can't maintain good customer service despite the "flaws" that are beyond the server's control...well, that is a problem.

I'm so sick of that "but it's busy" mentality. Often that just becomes a crutch to hold onto to blame others. A server can still be good and earn their tip even if the kitchen is backed up.

And you know what--even if they have a bad day, the fact that you like that the couple got arrested...what exactly does that prove?

Hurting someone's feelings isn't a crime.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I am very familiar with this story since it's my hometown. The only thing I have a problem with is the fact that everyone is completely believing what this couple says about the service. Yes, the manager admitted that their meals took a long time but how true is it that they had to get their own silverware and drinks? I'm not saying it didn't happen but nobody knows for sure it did either.

Irrelevant, as a gratuity is not mandatory, no matter how good or poor the service was.

 

[happygirl]

I don't see anybody saying otherwise. But still, the people did not commit a crime.

The way I see It became part of the bill when it was add to the bill. They didn't pay all of there bill plain and simple.

I really think there was more to this story then what is coming out.

Like I said earlier, If they had talked to the manager about the issues there were having I can't believe he/she wouldn't have taken it off. The police must have thought there was more to it as well

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Like I said do you think not refil a drink is bad service? I don't

My DH uses his water glass as a litmus of good service. And if it fails to be refilled at all...it's an automatic drop in gratuity to 10%. Neglecting a table "b/c it's busy"--there just is no excuse.

 

[Papa Deuce]

The way I see It became part of the bill when it was add to the bill. They didn't pay all of there bill plain and simple.

I really think there was more to this story then what is coming out.

Like I said earlier, If they had talked to the manager about the issues there were having I can't believe he/she wouldn't have taken it off. The police must have thought there was more to it as well

They didn't pay the part that they are not legally bound to pay.

 

[ford family]

What contract?

As the OP stated and as most menus state there is an automatic 18% charge for parties of six or more.
If you don't want to pay it then get up and walk away.
As soon as you order you have agreed to that contract.

ford family

 

[happygirl]

Irrelevant, as a gratuity is not mandatory, no matter how good or poor the service was.

It's not if the resturant tells you up front that it will become part of the bill

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The way I see It became part of the bill when it was add to the bill. They didn't pay all of there bill plain and simple.

I really think there was more to this story then what is coming out.

Like I said earlier, If they had talked to the manager about the issues there were having I can't believe he/she wouldn't have taken it off. The police must have thought there was more to it as well

like the part where you have supplied the statue that permits restaurants to mandate and require "gratuities".

 

[happygirl]

My DH uses his water glass as a litmus of good service. And if it fails to be refilled at all...it's an automatic drop in gratuity to 10%. Neglecting a table "b/c it's busy"--there just is no excuse.

Oh yes there is you are busy. You are running food taking other tables orders. There is a chance you might not get to everyone as the finish the drinks. there isn't a server a live who could

 

[happygirl]

like the part where you have supplied the statue that permits restaurants to mandate and require "gratuities".

You eat there they have every right to charge as they want

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Oh yes there is you are busy. You are running food taking other tables orders. There is a chance you might not get to everyone as the finish the drinks. there isn't a server a live who could

Funny how some restaurants have excellent servers who seem to not have trouble serving all their patrons.

It's a very rare restaurant where a server is "neglectful". And it's even more funny when it's a very empty restaurant.

But I'm sure you were a perfect server and never ever made a mistake as often the preachy ones are who consistently want to say "but the restaurant was busy....."

And we rarely have these issues with the water...and when we do, it's b/c the server just had other much cooler customers to chat with.

 

[ZachnElli]

Like I said do you think not refil a drink is bad service? I don't

Yes, so is waiting an hour for food and having to get your own silverware and napkins. It was more than one drink refill that they are talking about here. If I lived in the area, I would not patronize this place after reading about this incident.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

As the OP stated and as most menus state there is an automatic 18% charge for parties of six or more.
If you don't want to pay it then get up and walk away.
As soon as you order you have agreed to that contract.

ford family

The contract is only as binding as the state of Pennsylvania allows. If a gratuity is completely optional--they can demand it all they want. But they aren't legally entitled to it no matter what their signs say.

 

[Papa Deuce]

It's not if the resturant tells you up front that it will become part of the bill

You don't get it. Legally it is NOT part of the bill. It doesn't matter that the restaurant puts it on the bill. This has NO SHOT of standing up in court for the restaurant.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

You eat there they have every right to charge as they want

Problem with your statement--it's correct.

Sadly restaurants do not do this. They expect the servers to earn a gratuity.

Personally, the whole # or more and it is mandatory is a bunch of crap. So much so that it is discriminatory.

And the contract cannot be forced...if it is not legal.

The restaurant is free to adjust their menu prices accordingly though.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I would actually go there I'm glad they stood up for the server

DH worked as a waiter when we started dating and we are extremely generous and patient with waitstaff because of that. We normally tip 20 - 25% and are happy to do so, but there are times when the service plain and simple stinks. I have waited very long for refills, for silverware, napkins, condiments, etc.. If I'm hungry and have been waiting for my meal, I don't want to wait another 10 or 15 minutes for a fork while my food gets cold. It lessens the enjoyment of the meal and thus, the tip. Certain things like silverware I expect the waitstaff to ensure is available.