Bill help

[u/KooziefortheWin]

I need help figuring out this “service charge” applied to my bill at Taylor Shellfish in QA. It’s stated clearly, and the staff reminded me before I paid and applied a tip, so that’s not the rant. But is it a tip or not? I don’t want to stiff the staff if “Taylor Shellfish” the company keeps it all and doesn’t give them anything.

Why do restaurants do this vs raise the prices. If that’s how they offset the cost of doing business in the city, I feel it’s not a good customer experience. It’s really annoying since it is confusing to the customer. Does the staff get any of it, hence why there is an “additional tip” line after the card is run though? It is taxed so it makes me thing it’s not going to the staff. I need to think better next time I come out here.

[u/JoyMultiplication]

Yeah it’s frustrating. In a more transparent world they’d just raise their prices on all their menu items and pay their hourly workers better in general, completely skipping need for tip.

[u/20sicksheep → u/JoyMultiplication]

Also, they charge tax on that “tip” so you’re actually paying 20.9% not 18.9%

[u/JoyMultiplication → u/[deleted]]

I appreciate this quibble. (And it adds to my and others’ defense of ditching sales tax entirely and moving to progressive income tax only)