Automatic Gratuity on bill over $150… is this a new standard?
So I was at a restaurant last night in a big city with 3 others. Service was poor from the waitress had to flag her down multiple times with helps from security and the buss men. We get the check and it says 5 people not 4. So I tell her she screwed up and it was only 4, to get the automatic tip of 20% removed. She tells me that won’t change it because we spent over $150. Guys am I going crazy? Is this a new thing? I don’t understand how spending over a certain amount mean that AUTOMATICALLY add on more to take from you. Mind you she was also a terrible waitress and had the audacity to turn the screen with prompts for additional tips. Maybe I’m overreacting but automatic gratuity shouldn’t be a thing. The waiters and waitresses service has declined so much the past decade or so yet tip expectations keep going up. So much more I could rant on about but this is already long. I just want to be able to enjoy a night at a restaurant and be able to tip if I want and not be forced.