What's the Code of Etiquette for Peppermints at Restaurants?

Question

Ive always wondered if its okay to take as many as you want, or are you supposed to just take one for each member of the party that ate? Usually nobody minds as long as you don't walk away with the whole dish, but I find myself getting some oblique glances from waiters when I grab a handful.

Answer 1

I've worked at a few different resteraunts.....I don't think anyone working there really cares how many mints you take

Answer 2

I think that it may be rude if you take more than 2 or 3.  Afterall, gum and mints are relatively inexpensive when purchased at a gas station and most people usually carry a pack of one or the other with them most of the time.

Answer 3

One for each diner.

Answer 4

I've worked at many restaurants, no one cares how many mints you take.

But honestly..they are free, so why not take a handful or four lol?

Answer 5

They're there as a courtesy - per person: one or two is fine, three or four is uncouth, more than that - go buy you're own you mooch.

Answer 6

If they're the loose ones that you pick up with a spoon, 2 or 3 is fine; if individually wrapped, one is more appropriate.

Answer 7

one, maybe two.  but if you are grabbing a bunch, it looks like you have either REALLY bad breath, or you ate an onion sandwich.  carry some gum or mints with you.  you shouldn't look like you are trying to get your bill's worth in free mints...