15% is cheap. 20% is good for a large group. These people have to eat.

And Euros are the worst. They never tip.

if one is charged gratuity for something and they weren't notified ahead of time, one has the right not to pay.

15% is kinda cheap for a tip anyway.

i went to a club in the city and ordered 4 beers and paid with a credit card. they added 20% to my bill automatically and said it was because it was a credit card or something. it was too loud and too crowded to argue (or even hear what the bartender was saying), but that was just really annoying

1849 in the West Village, added 20% to a check, and we were only 2 people.

i explained to the waitress that I had planned on giving her a 20% tip anyway (despite the bad service), but that putting it on the check was tacky. she explained that a lot of students and europeans come in and don't tip at all, so the bad starting adding it to food/drink tabs.

i didn't know this was illegal, and now feel like reporting it.

What we really need is 311.

Jersey City should have the same law.

New York City has a law that says that restaurants can only add a tip of 15% and only if there are eight or more people.

Last month, I was at a restaurant in the Village and they add a tip of 15% even though we were only six people.

==========================
NBC New York:

311 Seeks Restaurant Rip-Off Artists

By AMY LANGFIELD

Updated 3:44 PM EST, Tue, Feb 10, 2009


If you've ever been handed a bill at a New York restaurant with a built-in tip over 15 percent, the city wants to know about it.


City law says 15 percent is the maximum a restaurant can charge, and even then, it can only be applied to parties of eight or more, the Department of Consumer Affairs told the NewYorkology travel site. And it must be clearly displayed on the menu.


If you spot a bill with a built-in charge exceeding 15 percent, all you have to do is call 311 and report the restaurant, anonymously if you wish. After that, a Department of Consumer Affairs will send out someone for an inspection inquiry and possible fine for the restaurant.

Bombay Eats on W. 52nd Street, Mojito on Washington Avenue and The Green Table on Ninth Avenue were among the restaurants the Post said have been charging a mandatory 20 percent extra.


If you've been overcharged and you still have the receipt, you can try to get a refund by filing a complaint with the Department of Consumer Affairs.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ ... s-Restaurant-Gripers.html

http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/2009/02/nyc_prohibits_b.php

http://www.nypost.com/seven/02082009/ ... eaky_foul_tips_154090.htm