If a table skips out on a tab, can the restaurant require the server to pay any or all of the tab?

Question

If a table skips out on a tab, can the restaurant require the server to pay any or all of the tab?

Answer 1

I believe that in here in KY they make them pay also!

Answer 2

I think it depends on the state. In the past I've heard that no, they cannot force the server to pay, but it's happened to me before and I had to pay. Even if the server doesn't pay, he or she will probably end up getting fired for a different reason, because the higher-ups will want them out. Besides, the excuse I've always heard from management was, if the server was paying better attention to the table, they wouldn't have been able to walk out (which is rarely true).

Answer 3

In Florida, yes they can make the server pay the whole tab.

Answer 4

I know it is illegal in Tennessee....