Service charge for tables of 8

[andy_d]

Does anyone know why just about all the restaurants in Florida charge 18% service for tables of 8 or more.We where over last month and had 8 of us when dining out. It really annoyed me that we were always charged 18% on top and I was wondering why, our needs where no greater than a table of 6 or 7 and you would think they would be grateful for the good custom.
I always tip anyway but really object to having it put on automatically....... and when the waiter or waitress asks if I need any change when paying the total amount including the service... well lets just say it gets me a bit annoyed.

[florida4sun]

It is pretty much standard practice, you can ask to have it taken off. Suits me fine as I would normally tip more 18% if the service and meal are good. I have noticed this is gettig adopted in the Uk which does annoy me as the whole wage structure is difference and staff are not reliant on tips.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by andy_d
Does anyone know why just about all the restaurants in Florida charge 18% service for tables of 8 or more.We where over last month and had 8 of us when dining out. It really annoyed me that we were always charged 18% on top and I was wondering why, our needs where no greater than a table of 6 or 7 and you would think they would be grateful for the good custom.
I always tip anyway but really object to having it put on automatically....... and when the waiter or waitress asks if I need any change when paying the total amount including the service... well lets just say it gets me a bit annoyed.
[/quote]

[wrpac00]

As Martin says it is standard practice, some do it on parties of 6.

[chrizzy100]

They lose out with us too because we tip more then 18% a lot of the time...

[canarypam]

So do we - but I do agree that if they have added it on the waiter/waitress shouldn't ask if you need change!!!

[mizzy]

we found out about this on our first trip with the bil and his family, it was fine with us except for one meal where the service was appalling (in disney a ice cream place? the btm of mainstreet on the right)

we noticed glass under the table and the server was most peeved when we asked if we could be moved or for it to be cleared away, he slammed every plate down and had an attitude from there on, i always think that had we not been a party of 8 his attitude would have been different because his tip wouldn't have been automatic

[florida4sun]

The tip is still voluntary, they do it becuase they get so many people who do not tip fulltop, if you have bad servce just ask for it to be taken of the bill. Or simply tyell the staff that you may be be geting out you tip erazor[msnwink] This usually perks them up a little[msnwink]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by mizzy
we found out about this on our first trip with the bil and his family, it was fine with us except for one meal where the service was appalling (in disney a ice cream place? the btm of mainstreet on the right)

we noticed glass under the table and the server was most peeved when we asked if we could be moved or for it to be cleared away, he slammed every plate down and had an attitude from there on, i always think that had we not been a party of 8 his attitude would have been different because his tip wouldn't have been automatic
[/quote]

[Clare R]

UK restaurants also added a fixed service charge on tables of 8 or more so it is not just a US situation.

[Newhomebuyer]

I don't know whether you are aware but from Jan 1st Disney are going to add an 18% charge for all diners whatever the size of the group.

[chrizzy100]

I try not to dine where there is a set charge...even if I would of tipped higher...most of the time in Disney because we don't go there often we just have time to grap fast food...