In article >,
(Jonathan Kamens) wrote:

> Mike Z. Helm > writes:
> >I somehow doubt they signed the menu.
>
> First of all, the fact that they ordered food from the menu proves that
> they saw it (although it is obviously up for debate whether the notice
> about service charges for large groups was large and prominent enough
> that a reasonable person could be expected to have seen it).
>
> Second, ordering services from a menu at a restaurant creates an
> implied contract to pay the charges incurred for those services. If
> that were not the case, then what's to stop every restaurant customer
> from simply standing up and walking out after eating his/her food?

I don't know what you do in a restaurant, but I order and pay for the
food. If I paid for "the service" there are plenty of restaurants that
would owe me money.

Tips and gratuities are just that. Next they'll start charging for clean
dinnerware and seats that don't topple over.

>>Why? Tips are voluntary gifts. They can leave ZERO if they
>>feel like it.
>>
>>If restaurant owners were forced to pay a living wage,
>>instead
>>of some slave-wage supposedly subsidized by the benevolence
>>of others, this wouldn't be an issue at all.

>>Why? Tips are voluntary gifts. They can leave ZERO if they
>>feel like it.
>>
>>If restaurant owners were forced to pay a living wage,
>>instead
>>of some slave-wage supposedly subsidized by the benevolence
>>of others, this wouldn't be an issue at all.

I couldn't agree more about this. Aussie hospitality workers get around
$AU12 - 15/hour, and while I'm a good tipper, I don't therefore feel
oblidged to tip for poor service. I spent a year in LA, and was generally
unimpressed with the quality of service. I guess when your server is
basically guaranteed a 15% tip, why make the effort?

Pay a decent wage, and you'll attract decent staff. They will probably earn
tips regardless if they provide good service - everybody wins.

Steve.