What does....A DISCREATIONARY GRATURITY WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR BILL...mean?

Question

im a full time student, ie, im broke....but i wanna carry my mum to claridges for her bday in a few weeks, but it says the above will be added to the bill...do i HAVE to pay it..or do i have to pay the entire amount???

ps...its 12.5%

thanks for answering!

Answer 1

The gratuity is a service charge which generally goes to the waiting staff but depending on the establishment may well not do. It isn't compulsory so if you don't want to pay it you don't have to. It is good manners to tip the waiting staff though

Answer 2

if its "discretionary" that means it's optional.  12.5% seems pretty low - you'd be getting off easy paying that amount.  Here is the US, standard tip is 15 to 20%.

Answer 3

It means the place automatically adds that amount to your bill as a tip. Higher end places do that. Pay your bill in cash and leave whatever you want for a tip.

Answer 4

Evidently they are plagued by non-tippers, so they have instituted a policy to include the tip in the check.  12 1/2 percent is fine, actually a little under the expected norm so don't worry about it.  It is customary around here that restaurants will do this automatically for any table over 6 guests.

Answer 5

it will automatically be taken out as a tip for the waiter/waiteress, b/c a lot of people don't tip well

Answer 6

A lot of nicer restaurants will add a % to the total bill, unfortunatly yes you have to pay it and your server does expect a tip on top of that.

Make a nice picnic lunch and take your mom to the park, I'm sure she'll be happy with that option, shows you tried and prepared the meal yourself, anyone can go to a restaurant.

Answer 7

A DISCRETIONARY GRATUITY  means that any time they decide they can add this (Tip)to your bill and if this is clearly posted for all to read than ,Yes you do pay. This might be added if you have a (number varies) group of people at your table. Call and ask them for their explanation of this policy as it varies from place to place.

Answer 8

I'm afraid so. So many restaurants pay employees less than minimum wage and with the economy the way it is, the only way they get to pay their rent is by charging this on your bill. It is usually about 15% of your total bill. $ 25.00 bill will cost you $ 3.75 in gratuity, then they add on the tax when you pay out.

If it's for your mum's birthday, live a little !