[tflol]

I've seen this enforced by the number of persons in your party (say, 6 minimum). If you come in with a ton of people at an establishment that expects tips, make a ton of noise, traumatize the front staff, completely destroy the place, then leave and tip 5%? I like the idea of an establishment financially protecting their employees that way.

[ok_dad]

> financially protecting their employees

They could just pay a living wage like most other countries where tipping is not a thing.

[lern_too_spel]

Mandatory service charges cannot be counted as tip in California and must be reported as restaurant income. Also, the tipped minimum wage is no different from non-tipped minimum wage in California.

[kazinator]

People deserve to be compensated extra for an hour of not being able to lean against the counter, playing with their phone? It's traumatizing to have a lot of business and have to work?

The standard in business is that more volume brings about discounts. If you buy a larger order of parts from a supplier, your unit price is less than if you buy a small number.

The only way surcharges for groups make sense is that groups can sometimes tie up the place due to staying longer, but that's a stretch. Groups also have a way of finishing up and getting the hell out, not much slower than someone dining alone.

Every group lunch I remember, there have always been drinks, all round. Almost everyone has at least one glass of beer, save for the odd teetotalers and designated drivers.

I will typically not order a beer if dining alone, or just with family.

You have a big group, with everyone ordering food and most of them drinks (easy money) yet want an extra tax on top.

[iJohnDoe]

You make a good point, but that’s not what they are referencing. To-go places are asking for a tip on the payment terminal.