Do you have to tip a server if service charge is included in the bill?

[Anonymous]

If a service charge of 20% is included in the bill , do I still have to tip a waiter/waitress?

[MrOracle]

Generally, restaurants that have such a service charge only do this for larger parties - 8 or more is common - to prevent the wait staff from getting stiffed after doing a ton of work - but, no, you don't need to tip any further. That service charge IS the tip. You can CHOOSE to tip more if you want to, but 20% is already above the industry standard of 15%. Source: I worked as a waiter for 2.5 years.

Having said that, if you find out that, say, the restaurant is KEEPING the "service charge" and not giving it to the server, as is normal custom, then you should never go back to that restaurant again, and you should let them know why.

It's not very common, and in most places it's illegal, but there are always a couple of greedy and/or desperate business owners who will screw over their staff, and that really grinds my gears.

[Iron_Man]

No, if if it’s already included in the bill, you don’t have to tip

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

I would still tip bc I don’t know who’s getting what charge and my server deserves something for themselves if it’s not split between foh and boh.

[Abbycado]

Nope, not unless you feel like they deserved more.

[dudeinohio]

No. Mandatory gratuities void any obligation to to tip extra.

[Radiate143]

Up to you but, no.

[slatyb]

No, you do not.

[Fireguy17]

no, you do not.

[gorydetails]

Nope.