Originally Posted by
Rbt001
Applying what I stated earlier, and if I were to visit one of the restaurants named, I'd take a minute for a conversation with the server as I was handing back the signed charge slip with the tip adjusted down for the surcharge: "Are you aware that your employer has an HRA account set up for you?" "No? Well then you should find out, because this surcharge is collected to provide this monetary benefit to you, and that's why I reduced your tip by that amount that you should be paid indirectly...." -or- "Yes? Then you understand why I reduced..."etc.
For my taste, this is way too much effort. I'm having dinner and ordering items to be served, not to engage in anything other than the reason why I'm there. While respecting everyone, I'm paying to be served, not to be buddies or educate whomever is serving me for a fee, which I pay.
They can deal with this on their own, and leave me out of it. If it means 86'ing me, fine. World has plenty of options for way better pricing than SF.
PS - never been in the service profession, but, I'd wager they want the tip & couldn't care less about whatever BS why, in their mind, being stiffed.