- Dec 3, 2010
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Last weekend I visited my first no-tip-required restaurant. It was a brewpub/pizza joint. The food/drink prices on the menu were just for food/drink, and the bottom of the menu said that a 21% "fair wage and wellness surcharge" would be added to my bill. The note also said that the surcharge helped provide fair wages across the company and access to benefits like health care for all restaurant employees. The service was excellent (perhaps because their employees are paid more and get benefits), and I generally tip 20% anyway, so the 21% charge was not a big deal. I was surprised that a 21% charge was enough to provide health insurance and other benefits for employees. This made me think that most people must be leaving much less than 20% on their bill, otherwise at least the waiters could purchase health insurance on the individual market. At the end of the meal when I paid, there was a spot for an extra tip when I signed the credit card receipt, but the receipt said no tip required. All in all it was a good experience.