Originally Posted by
orthar
Since Igor718 doesn't own the restaurant in question, I don't see why it's any of his concern how much the waiters' are getting paid.
And why shouldn't he go out to dinner if he doesn't want to tip as much as you like to? Unlike the bill itself, which is the price you agree to pay when you order the meal, a tip is a voluntary gratuity.
He can tip whatever he'd like, there's no law about tipping. Like you said, it's voluntary.
It's sort of like being on a bus when an elderly person or pregnant woman boards. The bus is full, there are no seats and you have a seat. Common sense and etiquette is to give up your seat for one of those people. However, there is no law about giving up your seat. It's voluntary.
My guess is that the "tips are voluntary" crowd are the same people who wouldn't give up that seat for an elderly or pregnant woman.
Someone's livelihood depends on that tip.