Can you refuse to pay a service charge in a restaurant and just leave a tip?

Question

Can you refuse to pay a service charge in a restaurant and just leave a tip?

Answer 1

In the US, I would refuse to pay the service charge, because it's not standard.

In Europe, I would refuse to tip because the service charge is more common.

Answer 2

yes

Answer 3

What service charge??? If you are talking about added gratuity - No unless you object prior to adding and have a legitimite complaint and take it up with manager

Answer 4

Well... Unless you're dizzy or in a trance,or simply your head got knocked on the door,don't do that

Answer 5

Yes this has been tested out in court, which is why many restaurants show it as an"optional service charge" on the menu

Answer 6

It depends on the location and the restaurant....Oh my God! I just looked in the mirror and realized I have oozing ulcerated acne sores all over my face! The are leaking a mixture or yellow brown puss and thin watery blood!

Answer 7

Well it's the same thing and the waiter/waitress has agreed to the service charge system by working there so why contest it.  Any 'over the service charge' could be given to the waiter directly.

Answer 8

If you chose a restaurant that specifies a service charge/cover charge you cannot refuse to pay because you will either pay up front or it will be on your bill.  Remember, this is your choice to go to this restaurant.  A tip for the wait staff?  That is up to you if you are pleased with your service.  

Service charge is a management fee and enables you to use the facilities and is not intended to be a gratuity for your waiting staff.

Answer 9

in Canada,if the added gratuity is known to you,ie. a  sign or on the menu,then ,NO, you could not refuse, its part of the bill;just like the GST and the liquor tax,you cant say "I'm not paying that."most places the server receives the added $'s;but would tip out the kitchen,bar,bussers,hostesses,so if its $20,he/she is probably only keeping 10 to 15 dollars.some people like to give extra ,which is not uncommon.most places that have added grats our tourists stops[tourists like to not tip/or not tip well]or higher end restaurants which put a premium on service,or large parties[10 or more people,servers get screwed over often on big tables because everybody throws money in not knowing how much is their share,and because its a group thing,they can get away with skimping on the tip]

that being said;no one should leave the restaurant unhappy!any restaurants long term goal is a long term customer.

always talk to the manager that is why they are there,to ensure customers leave happy.they are typically more experienced and smoother at empathizing with customers,they also have the power to make things right!

most well run restaurants realize you came to be fed and served,and if those weren't up to standards,you didn't receive value for your dollar,and will do something to turn you around.

Answer 10

You don't have to pay a service charge if you don't think the service was up to it. You don't have to leave a tip either.

It's annoying that this is expected by them, i don't get tipped for doing my job!

Answer 11

I always thought a service charge was added to the bill for a large party.  I don't know how you get out of paying it.

Answer 12

If you are entirely dissatisfied with  either the  A the meal (and you have to  actually  NOT  eat  nearly the whole thing in order to make this claim) then you  can refuse to pay for the  entire meal

or B: be totally  dissatisfied with the  service  ie  the wrong food was delivered  the  waiter/ress was rude  or clumsy spilled your  food over you  etc  etc  you can  withhold payment of service charge and also make a claim for  dry cleaning  costs.

Answer 13

A service charge is a tip. If you think it is too much/too little you can leave more or less. You dont have to pay the service charge or a tip.

Answer 14

YES!

but the service must be bad to do that.

Answer 15

yes u can refuse to pay so called tip to restaraunt                       just look after the waitress if she earns it