Money Moral Dilemma: Should I refuse to pay the service charge when eating out?

primrose_penguin

I think tipping is outdated, it used to be given in the days when wages were much lower in the catering trade and some other industries, however now there is a minimum wage it is not necessary unless you feel you have received exceptional service and you can tip the individual concerned. I get the minimum wage and certainly do not expect to receive any tips. I would check before going into cafes or restaurants what their policy is so you can avoid those who automatically add on a service charge. I wonder if all these service charges go just to the staff or whether the owners take their share??

nev.obrady

IvonH said:

The "dine in" added cost has nothing to do with service and everything to do with extra costs associated with providing sit-down meals:  rates, taxes, cost of furniture, cleaning, washing dishes, energy costs for heating and lighting etc. etc. 
This is not specific to London; in fact, if you go to a bakery in any small town in Germany where they have a couple of tables, you get charged more for your items if you eat or drink them there than if you take them away.  

If a service charge has been added automatically, you can pay it and not leave tips.  Or ask to have it removed and then leave a tip.  I often do that simply because I don't trust the restaurant to pass on the service charge to the serving staff.  So I ask for the charge to be removed and then leave a cash tip.  I have no idea whether this is appreciated or not, though, in these days of people not using cash...

I always tip in cash as well, even if I pay the main bill on card.

itsthelittlethings

I always pay the service charge, or tip 20%. It’s basic manners.

oldernonethewiser

Discretionary charge - entirely up to the customer whether to pay or not. 

I routinely get service charges removed and have no guilt in doing so. 

I may tip or I may not - again my decision. 

Coffeekup

I personally don't like tipping or service charges.

For me on average whilst dining with 4 people a waitress/Waiter spends 2-3 minutes taking our orders. Another 30 seconds at the table bringing over drinks, another 60 seconds per course they bring over. So at best I've seen that person who bought our food and drinks over no more than 5 minutes for that evening.
Yay they got the order right, yay they bought the food over once someone out back has cooked it and yay they asked if everything is ok half way through the meal. Let me throw you some money for doing your job your paid to do.
Sorry not a fan of it, they are on minimum wage like the following 2 positions....

I've spent more time with the cashier at a supermarket scanning and packing my bags for my weekly shop...
They don't get tipped.

You don't tip someone for their help over the telephone for sorting out your issues with your energy bills, banking issues, booking an appointment or dealing  with delivery problems.

So why should waiter's?

Katecooks

Ef79 said:

I always pay the service charge, or tip 20%. It’s basic manners.

20%? 10% is the general rule or it used to be, but tipping is no longer necessary as we now have a minimum wage. Tipping is not basic manners; it's an outdated practice used for tax avoidance. which technically makes it fraud, but if it makes you feel better and you can afford it, keep tipping...

OmoEgba

Restaurants are known to pay low wages so tipping used to be for the wait staff but there's no guarantee what you pay is passed on.
While businesses do pay higher bills than domestic users i'm sure some apply a service charge because they can and customers won't want to make a fuss.
The business owners should pay their staff a living wage.
I would rather tip someone privately for good service not fork out for an owners dream, because it's status quo or stinginess.
I rarely dine out for the above reasons and because the food is never as expected despite the hype.
I order from the takeaway menu if there's one or I just don't spend at their establishment.
However reach to their own. 

837843

271123, I find any additional charge for beverages a rip off. If you're charged the High Street price of a full bottle of wine for 1 glass I reckon that's extortion. Will consider tipping for food if the whole dining experience warrants it - from booking through to waiting to pay the bill time. Resturanters please add your comments.

PegasusPJ

I hate tipping, unless getting above and beyond service.

But in the UK I have always feel obliged to, because I never eat out alone, and so when you share the bill you have to share the tip if everyone else does.

That was bad enough when you youself added to the plate, but now you are dictated the, ever increasing, amount on the bill and have to get out of your way to get it removed! 

And this year they tried to charge me a service charge at a bar (not even serving at the table!! ).. That one I slammed right down and showed my outrage. Not want it to turn into America where you have to tip a $1 for each $4 bottle the guy open, not even pouring the drink! 

Just puts me off eating out

jvector

Ye gods there are some mean spirited people here. 
"10% is the general rule or it used to be" - a long time ago! We try and tip 15% generally now. 
If there's a service charge included in the bill we'll ask the server if they actually get it.
"business owners should pay their staff a living wage" - agreed, and there are many things wrong with today's economic system that "should" be different - that's not in the control of the person working to serve you. If they are doing a good job, are personable and helpful, we like to treat them like a human being and show a bit of appreciation.
And we are pensioners.