The OP states that Tips and Gratuity have to paid from their own pocket.

In the current financial climate this is, I would guess, likely to increase. Here in the UK we've had a bit of an expenses scandal and I think a lot of employers (certainly those who are funded by the tax payer) are looking very closely at expenses and I'm aware of a number who will only reimburse tips that were mandatory service charges and will only pay expenses for services that are an essential element of being away - i.e. you can expense £20-£30 for a meal and maybe £5-£10 for an evening of soft drinks, but try and claim £3 for a beer or 50p for a chocolate bar and expect to pay for that yourself.

I have a problem with those who tip excessively (in relation to local practice) when someone else is picking up the cost but are miserly when it's coming from their own pocket.