Would you leave a tip if you knew it went to the owner, not the employees?
I was wondering how you guys feel about the businesses in Guelph that accept tips, but 100% of the tips go to the owners and not to the employees.
I've seen it most commonly at fast-food and other chains, but I know of at least one local bar/restaurant that does this.
I personally find it to be predatory, deceptive, and unfair to both employees and to customers. I quite honestly think it should be illegal, because I don't believe any customer would leave a tip for a business if they were made aware that the tips went to the owner. I've always understood the practice of tipping to be a wage supplement or a show of appreciation for good service.
I think it's an especially despicable practice for a bar or restaurant to do, because of the widely accepted tipping etiquette of always tipping 15%-20% irregardless of the quality service. It's already a luxury to eat out, tipping an owner that has the funds to acquire and operate a business should not be a part of anyones expenses, in my opinion.
Although, I could be wrong which is why I wanted to make this a discussion. What do you guys think?
**Edit: today is a day where I was happy to be proven wrong - it is illegal; if your current employer has attempted to contract you into this, please consider sending a copy of your contract to the Ontario Labour Relations Board / report to Ontario Employment standards.