Service charges at restaurants Do you have to pay them

[john p]

You dining at the savoy again John ? Expensive tastes mate

[eggsarascal]

You dining at the savoy again John ? Expensive tastes mate

 

He can afford it, he's got loads of 'tut'.

[TGB]

25% Crikey! At that rate, you could make a packet serving nothing but tap water.

[john p]

Aye egg, the logs have been good to John this winter

[mendiplogs]

Aye egg, the logs have been good to John this winter

 

HI JOHN NOW your taking the P:lol::lol:S mate thanks jon

[Ian C]

Normally service charge is 10% on top of the bill but you do not have to pay it and I never do, I would rather leave a tip for the server,that way they get it rather than the company creaming another 10%.

[jaime bray]

When down in London they automatically charge it. 12% normally, at the point of asking for the bill I kindly ask them to remove the service charge. I duly explain its not a personal thing, but I just don't agree with the concept. The concept as far as I can see is the restaurant owners do not pay high enough wages to attract staff, but still on basis of good tips potential, this offers an attractive deal in the eyes of people doing waiting on work.

So I refuse to put money in the pocket of staff at the rate that is deemed appropriate to boost wages, whilst my meal cost boosts owners coffers.

I always tip good service, even if food is very poor. But won't be dictated to, or socially embarrassed into paying the surcharge.

If we are in big party I always confirm this before.

I also regardless of the above, ensure that waiting on staff wait on me. If I need water, clean cutlery, sauces, I'm won't hesitate to ask and pester.

Edited February 22, 2015 by jaime bray

[easy-lift guy]

I'm I reading this correctly Ted?

 

If say a table of six went for a meal and a few drinks and the bill came to £300 you would be paying a gratuity of £75 on top?

 

Could be as high as that. 17 to 25% of the bill is customary but I have also given less due to the quality of the food, time to be service, attention to detail.

If I was presented with a 25% service charge over and above my meal charge,tip I would not be pleased:thumbdown:. Seems according to other replies this is voluntary?.

easy-lift guy

[easy-lift guy]

When down in London they automatically charge it. 12% normally, at the point of asking for the bill I kindly ask them to remove the service charge. I duly explain its not a personal thing, but I just don't agree with the concept. The concept as far as I can see is the restaurant owners do not pay high enough wages to attract staff, but still on basis of good tips potential, this offers an attractive deal in the eyes of people doing waiting on work.

So I refuse to put money in the pocket of staff at the rate that is deemed appropriate to boost wages, whilst my meal cost boosts owners coffers.

I always tip good service, even if food is very poor. But won't be dictated to, or socially embarrassed into paying the surcharge.

If we are in big party I always confirm this before.

I also regardless of the above, ensure that waiting on staff wait on me. If I need water, clean cutlery, sauces, I'm won't hesitate to ask and pester.

 

Thanks Jamie, I can accept and understand this answer. Far to many times the owners of restaurants do not understand that the running of their operations is a team effort.

easy-lift guy