it's so easy!
If the bill has the phrase "optional 10% service charge" it becomes a gift inter vivos between you and the person who collects the money. Check any back issue of the Caterer, Publican or Morning Advertiser.This means owners don't get to touch it.
Make sure you pay it and don't buy the staff a drink- they would always rather have the cash (most places do a staff discount so if you give cash then they get a drink and a bit more!) Also, with modern machinery it is almost impossible to pay by card and for owners to take a cut. It is the owners NOT managers you need to worry about -managers don't pay the staff wages themselves, and good managers don't get tipped ( I refuse them)
Finally, try working in Kensington (arguably the most expensive area of the world) when you live in Surrey and get minimum wage. If you can afford to eat or drink out you can afford to tip- we can't afford to do either in our line of work.
Rant over
(alboyalex, Wed 29 Oct 2008, 23:56, Reply)