Americans Reject Requests to Tip: No More Pestering!

Now that most restaurants and services require tipping, it’s become an increasingly controversial topic among Americans. While some feel it is a necessary part of the system, others have taken strong stances against the custom of tipping. The practice of tipping in the United States originated during the American Revolution when soldiers would place a few coins in the palm of a tavern keeper in order to secure a room or a drink. Over time, tipping spread to other businesses such as restaurants, hotels, salons, and taxi services. As businesses did not pay a living wage at the time, tips were often seen as necessary for servers to make a living wage. However, today there is a growing wave of people who believe that tipping is outdated and unfair. They argue that, by relying on tipping, businesses can pay their employees lower wages. In addition, many believe that customers should not be required to make up the difference if a business fails to pay a livable wage. In recent years, the no-tipping movement has become particularly vocal online. With the help of social media, tweets with hashtags such as #noservicetips and #notippingzones are spreading rapidly. Businesses such as Joe & The Juice, a chain of juice bars, have adopted the no-tipping model. The no-tipping movement has also received support from states such as California. In 2019, a bill was proposed that would ban restaurants and bars from accepting tips. The bill was ultimately unsuccessful, but it highlights the powerful opposition that tipping has faced in recent years. At the same time, many people still believe that tipping is an essential part of the service industry. Tips incentivize workers to provide excellent customer service, and tips also provide workers with a significant portion of their income. The practice of tipping has grown to be so prevalent in American culture that it is difficult for even passionate supporters of the no-tipping movement to avoid participating in it. The debate surrounding tipping is likely to only become more complex over time. With the decline of cash payments and the increasing prevalence of digital payment methods, online tipping options are becoming more common. Ultimately, it will be up to customers to decide whether they will support a traditional tipping system or embrace the no-tipping movement.