Originally Posted by Showbizguru

Tipping should be a reward for GOOD service and not simply perfunctory. If you get rid of tipping then service will deteriorate.

I can see that this is much more of a problem in the UK than the US where service is normally excellent.

I still think there is a residual class stigma about people " serving " in Britain and even in top-flight restaurants service can be quite appalling. The problem is there is also still a reluctance among people to complain.

If I receive bad service in a restaurant I will insist the manager remove the service charge from the bill - likewise I will always cause a scene if a tipping line is left blank on a bill in addition to the service charge already added.

My family used to get embarrassed by it - now they make sure they have a full drink at the end of a bad meal so they can sit back and enjoy the fun.