Only seven states currently bar “subminimum” pay for tipped workers like bartenders and restaurant servers, but activists see 2024 as ripe to expand the tally to as many as 20.
While I do tip. It does suck that eating out pretty much requires a donation because we all agree that food workers don't make enough to live on. And I live in a State where they get full minimum. Just give the workers food and boarding and we can call it a deal, oh wait..... Let's not.
Non-american here. While I tipped last time I visited, I don't think I will do it next time I visit. It will just legitimize a system, that has to go away. Due to the way tipping and minimum wage work together, I essentially just tip the owner of the restaurant (at least to a large degree). As a customer, I have no reason to pay more than the price that is asked for
You're going to get banned from a bunch of restaurants then. Anywhere worth eating enforces tipping. Some of them have it already included in the bill.
I understand your frustration but that's going to add far more stress to your trip, will result in servers being underpaid, and could result in the police being called if you refuse to pay a tip that's already included on the bill.
If it's non-optional, and they make it clear that it's non-optional, and the amount is stated. Sure, fine.
I'm just annoyed why they hide the true price from the menu. Why would they hide VAT and non-optional gratuity from it, leaving me to calculate it for myself? I've been to countries like France, where they actually have a flat 15% gratuity everywhere. The difference is that it is included in the menu price, so I get no surprises afterwards.
Then I'll turn around and counter-sue the restaurant, and make the restaurant owner's life a living hell for the rest of their life. Maybe they'll even end up on the street after their house gets taken from them.
Counter sue what? They aren't sueing you and they didn't arrest you. The legal advice to restaurants is to have the police come even for removing people because that shifts the legal liability.
You can't just make it up. The courts will dismiss your car and charge you money for the pleasure.