Firsthand, we have encountered the pressures of tipping culture escalating beyond our means and expectations. The uncomfortable experiences of handing out a 20% tip for merely basic service, or even being prompted for tips where no human service was rendered, have unfortunately become common occurrences. The personal stress these situations bring about is significant, as we constantly worry if our contributions are matching the newly formed industry norm.

The practice of tipping, originally intended to supplement workers' income and reward excellent service, has been significantly distorted. In the aftermath of COVID-19, tipping rates have soared. We need to restore the balance and return tipping rates to their customary 15% on pretax subtotal amounts, allowing the rating of the service provided to dictate optional incremental increases.

Statistics show that from 1980 to today, the suggested gratuity in U.S. restaurants has risen from 10-15% (pre-tax) to 20% (post-tax, UBC Sauder School of Business, 2016).  (Post-tax will always be a higher tip because you are just tipping on the expense of the food but their associated taxes as well).  Meanwhile, prices of meals have increased as well, leading to tips becoming a more substantial expenditure for the customer. This shift has not served to improve the worker pay gap or create fairness in the restaurant industry.

Therefore, the purpose of our petition is to advocate for the return of tipping rates to 15% based on pretax subtotal amounts. We believe this step will restore tipping to its original design — an appreciation of good service, not a demand or expectation. This proportional solution is crucial where the extra 5-8% makes a world of difference to many patrons.

We ask for your support in aligning tipping back with its original purpose. By signing this petition, you advocate for a fair and balanced approach to tipping culture. Let's look out for customer well-being, ensuring that hospitality remains sustainable and enjoyable for all.