Subscriber login Close [x]
remember me
You are not logged in.

To tip or not to tip? The on-trade's ultimate social dilemma

Published:  06 January, 2017

The awkward subject of tipping etiquette touched the public conscious again recently after it was revealed that high profile chef Michel Roux Jr had scrapped tipping at Michellin starred Mayfair restaurant Le Gavroche, in favour of an obligatory service charge.

The awkward subject of tipping etiquette touched the public conscious again recently after it was revealed that high profile chef Michel Roux Jr has scrapped tipping at Michellin starred Mayfair restaurant Le Gavroche, in favour of an obligatory service charge.

The chef, who owns two restaurants with his family in London's Mayfair, said the decision was taken to eliminate the ambiguity felt by Brits around tipping.

The issue has sparked national debate, and new figures from the AA Hotel and Hospitality Services aims to shed some light on the problem.

A survey of 19,317 restaurant-goers revealed that half (54%) find tipping confusing and awkward, while 81% of restaurants which took part said they would welcome clear legislation on where money from tips should go.

Concerns from consumers centered on how much to tip, how to tip and uncertainty around who ends up with the money.

Over half of customers said they felt awkward about tipping because they were concerned their tips would not go to the waiting staff.

Caroline Walford, customer support manager at AA Hotel and Hospitality Services said a tipping in the UK is a social dilemma.

"Perhaps this survey points towards a lingering British embarrassment surrounding money, or perhaps it's time for more clarity for both consumers and those in the hospitality industry."

According to the research, a third of customers never know how much they should tip.

Young people were the most confused about this and over half felt the most inclined not to tip at all.

Using credit card machines also add to the confusion with 75% of over 55s and a third of Brits overall uncertain as to who the tip will go to.

Restaurants seem to be divided on their policies regarding optional service charges with an almost even split between those excluding and those including service on customers' bills.

Interestingly, 81% of UK restaurants would welcome new legislation that requires all restaurants to share tips with waiting staff.

Keywords: